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Jury Duty Guide
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Arkansas Jury Duty Guide (2026)

What Arkansas 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
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Jury pay & compensation

Daily jury pay
$50/day for jurors selected and seated on a grand or petit jury (Ark. Code § 16-34-103); prospective jurors not seated receive at least $15/day as set by the county quorum court
Transportation & parking
No — statewide rate - mileage is reimbursed only if the county adopts an ordinance, and only for jurors living outside the court's city, at the county-set rate (Ark. Code § 16-34-104).
Overnight / special circumstances
No — set per diem. Sequestered jurors are housed at court expense.

Employer requirements

Employer required to pay
No — Arkansas does not require employers to pay wages during jury service
Job protection law
Yes — Ark. Code § 16-31-106 bars discharge, loss of leave, or penalty for jury service (a Class A misdemeanor)
Exemptions
Excusals for undue hardship or extreme inconvenience; people over 70 may decline; sole caregivers and those with disqualifying conditions

Additional information

Court applicability
Applies to Circuit Courts, and District Courts for jury trials. City courts may differ.
Common questions

Arkansas jury duty FAQ

How much does Arkansas pay for jury duty?
$50/day for jurors selected and seated on a grand or petit jury (Ark. Code § 16-34-103); prospective jurors not seated receive at least $15/day as set by the county quorum court. No statewide rate - mileage is reimbursed only if the county adopts an ordinance, and only for jurors living outside the court's city, at the county-set rate (Ark. Code § 16-34-104).
Do employers in Arkansas have to pay employees during jury duty?
No - Arkansas does not require employers to pay wages during jury service
What job protections exist for jurors in Arkansas?
Yes - Ark. Code § 16-31-106 bars discharge, loss of leave, or penalty for jury service (a Class A misdemeanor)
Who can be exempt from jury duty in Arkansas?
Excusals for undue hardship or extreme inconvenience; people over 70 may decline; sole caregivers and those with disqualifying conditions
Where can I find the official Arkansas jury duty information?
You can find official information about jury duty in Arkansas on the official court website or by reviewing the relevant statutes, both linked on this page.