⚡ Philadelphia Jury Duty — Quick Facts
If you have received a jury summons for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, you will be reporting to the historic City Hall in Center City. As the busiest judicial district in Pennsylvania, understanding how compensation, travel, and parking work in Philadelphia will help you navigate your civic duty stress-free.
✅ Quick Summary: Philadelphia County pays jurors the Pennsylvania state rate of $9 per day. Commuters can receive mileage reimbursement or transit options. Employers are not legally required to pay your wage during jury service under PA law, though many choose to.
Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Pay Schedule
Philly state-level courts follow the standard Pennsylvania state model. Federal courts operating in the city operate under a completely different payment schedule.
| Court System | Daily Allowance | Travel / Commute Option |
|---|---|---|
| State Court (City Hall) | $9.00 / day | $0.17 per mile OR transit validation |
| Federal Court (Market Street) | $50.00 / day | Full federal travel allowance |
Parking near City Hall & Transit Options
Driving to Center City is highly discouraged due to heavy traffic and parking rates that can easily exceed $30 a day. If you choose to commute, here are your options:
- SEPTA (Recommended): Philadelphia County encourages taking transit. City Hall is directly connected to the Broad Street Line (BSL), the Market-Frankford Line (MFL), and the Regional Rail lines via Suburban Station. The jury assembly room provides vouchers or validations for public transportation fares.
- Validated Parking Lots: The court maintains agreements with designated nearby garages. Jurors can get a validation stamp at the jury clerk desk on the 11th Floor of City Hall, reducing the parking cost to a small flat fee. Do NOT park in commercial, non-affiliated lots.
⚠️ Important: Bring your parking ticket or your SEPTA Key Card details directly into the 11th-floor jury assembly room. Validation must be requested at check-in.
Philadelphia Employer Rules & Obligations
Under PA State Statutes, employers in Philadelphia are strictly prohibited from firing, threatening, or demoting you due to jury service. They are required to grant you unpaid leave.
There is no law in Pennsylvania that mandates private companies to pay your normal salary while you serve on a jury. However, large corporations, local hospital systems, and public institutions operating in Philadelphia often provide paid jury duty benefits. Check your handbook or speak to HR immediately.
How to Ask for an Excuse or Postponement
If you cannot serve due to severe financial hardship, medical issues, or childcare responsibilities, you can request an excuse or postponement. Philadelphia allows jurors to request a one-time postponement online via the Philly Juror Portal (courts.phila.gov) or by calling the Jury Commission office at (215) 686-7770.