All 50 states + federal courts Updated for 2026
Jury Duty Guide
Find your state →

Alabama Jury Duty Guide (2026)

What Alabama pays for jury service, whether your employer has to keep paying you, and the exemptions and job protections the law gives you.

Updated for 2026 Last verified: Jun 10, 2026
Choose a different state → Print this guide

Jury pay & compensation

Daily jury pay
$10/day expense allowance for grand and petit jurors (Code of Alabama § 12-19-210)
Transportation & parking
Yes — 5¢ per mile traveled to and from court, plus ferriage and tolls (Code of Alabama § 12-19-210). This is a fixed statutory rate, not the IRS rate.
Overnight / special circumstances
No — set per diem. If a jury is sequestered, the court arranges and pays for meals and lodging.

Employer requirements

Employer required to pay
Yes — full-time employees are entitled to their usual pay for days served, and an employer may not force the use of vacation or sick leave (Code of Alabama § 12-16-8)
Job protection law
Yes — Code of Alabama § 12-16-8 bars firing or threatening an employee for jury service
Exemptions
Excusals for undue hardship; people 70 or older may be excused on request; sole caregivers and those with disqualifying conditions may be excused

Additional information

Court applicability
Applies to Circuit and District Courts. Municipal courts typically do not hold jury trials.
Common questions

Alabama jury duty FAQ

How much does Alabama pay for jury duty?
$10/day expense allowance for grand and petit jurors (Code of Alabama § 12-19-210). Yes - 5¢ per mile traveled to and from court, plus ferriage and tolls (Code of Alabama § 12-19-210). This is a fixed statutory rate, not the IRS rate.
Do employers in Alabama have to pay employees during jury duty?
Yes - full-time employees are entitled to their usual pay for days served, and an employer may not force the use of vacation or sick leave (Code of Alabama § 12-16-8)
What job protections exist for jurors in Alabama?
Yes - Code of Alabama § 12-16-8 bars firing or threatening an employee for jury service
Who can be exempt from jury duty in Alabama?
Excusals for undue hardship; people 70 or older may be excused on request; sole caregivers and those with disqualifying conditions may be excused
Where can I find the official Alabama jury duty information?
You can find official information about jury duty in Alabama on the official court website or by reviewing the relevant statutes, both linked on this page.