What is a Jury Duty Stipend?
A stipend is a fixed sum of money paid periodically to defray expenses. In the context of jury duty, the court pays you a daily stipend (usually between $10 and $50). It is specifically not an hourly wage. It is not tied to the minimum wage laws, which is why courts can legally pay you $9 for an 8-hour day.
How It Differs From Salary
Your regular salary or hourly wage is compensation for your labor, protected by federal and state labor laws like the FLSA. A stipend is viewed as an allowance to cover your basic costs (like lunch and gas) while you perform a mandatory civic duty.
How Does This Affect My Paycheck?
If your employer offers paid jury duty leave, they will typically pay your regular salary. However, many employers will ask you to surrender your court stipend to them to offset the cost of paying your salary, or they will simply deduct the stipend amount from your next paycheck. This is a completely legal and standard practice.