Muted courthouse façade representing official jury summons context

Ontario Jury Summons Explained

Decode your letter, meet your deadlines, respond with confidence.

Skip to Reply Steps

Receiving a jury summons can spark equal parts pride and panic. Sent by your local sheriff on behalf of the Superior Court of Justice, the document is a binding court order—not a polite invitation. Understanding every abbreviation and barcode on page 1 ensures you respond on time, avoid penalties up to $5 000, and make informed choices about deferral or excusal. This guide walks you line-by-line through the Ontario jury summons, clarifies key dates, and shows how to reply online in under ten minutes.

Key Parts of the Summons

Sample Ontario jury summons letter with numbered callouts 12345

1Court & File Number

The top-left corner lists the courthouse location code (e.g., “361 Uni” for Toronto) and a file reference such as “CR-24-00123”. “CR” signals a criminal panel, while “CI” marks a civil panel. Quote this number when phoning the Jury Office.

2Reporting Location & Date

Centred in bold font, this line shows where and when you may need to appear—often a Monday at 8:30 a.m. The date can shift after you complete the questionnaire, so keep an eye on follow-up letters.

3Juror Reference Number / Barcode

The eight-digit reference beside the barcode unlocks the online portal. Photograph it in case the paper copy goes missing; the court will ask for it whenever you call.

4Eligibility Questionnaire

Page 2 lists statutory questions—citizenship, age, criminal record—that decide whether you remain on the panel. Answer honestly; false statements fall under Criminal Code s. 131.

5Response Options

Three boxes let you choose: Confirm Availability, Request Deferral, or Apply for Excusal. Most jurors confirm online; those without internet can post the reply card or call the IVR line.

Want the behind-the-scenes timeline? See our step-by-step summons process.

Deadlines & Penalties

Ontario courts use what clerks call the “5–14–Service Day Rule.” Memorise it and you will rarely stray into penalty territory:

Day Received Within 5 Days ≥14 Days Before Report Date Day of Service
Note delivery date in calendar. This starts the clock—even if Canada Post stamps a later date. Complete questionnaire online or mail reply card. Request any accessibility accommodation. Submit deferral or excusal evidence (doctor’s note, travel proof) so the judge has time to review. Appear at courthouse lounge by 8:30 a.m. or phone Jury Office if illness emerges overnight.

How to Reply Online

  1. Locate the portal URL: It appears beside the barcode—usually ontario.ca/jury.
  2. Enter your Juror Reference Number: Eight digits, no spaces. Found top-right on the letter.
  3. Create a one-time passcode: The portal texts a six-digit PIN to verify identity.
  4. Confirm personal details: Update phone, email, and emergency contact so the court can reach you quickly.
  5. Answer eligibility questions: Citizenship, residency, criminal history, language proficiency.
  6. Select your reply: Confirm availability, request deferral, or apply for excusal. Upload evidence where prompted.
  7. Save your confirmation number: A five-character code appears on screen—screenshot or write it down.
Illustrative screenshot of the Ontario Juror Portal login page
The secure Ontario Juror Portal accepts replies 24 / 7.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting to confirm your submission—always record the portal confirmation code.
  • Mailing the reply card without tracking—use Xpresspost or reply online to prevent “lost mail” issues.
  • Uploading medical letters without your Juror Reference Number—clerks cannot match anonymous files.
  • Assuming work travel is a valid excuse—file a deferral request instead of ignoring the letter.
  • Relying on verbal promises—always follow-up phone calls with an email to the Jury Office.
  • Missing the five-day questionnaire deadline—late submissions still need the form and an explanation letter.
  • Using a nickname—portal and ID must match exactly; update Elections Ontario if needed.
  • Bringing prohibited items (pepper spray, multi-tools) on report day—security delays can mark you absent.

Summons FAQ

Ontario law deems service complete when the summons is mailed to the last address on the municipal voters list. If you receive it late through a neighbour or mail forward, contact the Jury Office immediately. They can extend your questionnaire deadline and update your address. Moving provinces or failing to redirect mail is not a legal excuse—keep proof of your move (lease, utility bill) in case the judge needs verification.

Yes, but it must remain powered off in the courtroom. During lounge waiting periods you may use silent mode. Security will ask you to unlock and show the home screen. Recording or photographing inside court areas is prohibited under the Courts of Justice Act; violations can lead to confiscation or contempt charges. If you rely on a phone for accessibility (e.g., speech-to-text), request permission in advance.

No. Partially completed forms expire after 60 minutes of inactivity. Log back in and ensure you reach the confirmation screen displaying a five-character code. Without that code the court’s database shows “Unsubmitted” and enforcement reminders will continue. Screenshot the code or print the page for your records.

Under the Employment Standards Act s. 50, all Ontario employees are entitled to unpaid job-protected leave for jury duty. Provide a copy of the summons to HR. If the employer still refuses, you can file a claim with the Ministry of Labour. Learn more in our employer obligations guide.

Contact the Jury Office listed on your summons or, if unknown, call the courthouse where the file number was generated (often printed on Canada Post label). Provide your full name, date of birth, and the address where the letter should have arrived. Staff can email a PDF copy or allow you to collect one in person. Losing the letter is not an automatic excusal; deadlines continue based on the original delivery date.

Yes. Every summons includes an IVR number where you can confirm attendance, request deferral, or hear panel updates. Have your Juror Reference Number ready. Complex deferral or excusal requests still require written evidence, which you can email or mail after the call. For callers with hearing impairments, Ontario Relay Service (711) routes directly to jury offices.

Your jury summons is a gateway to civic duty—respond promptly, keep copies, and request help if needed.

Need to Postpone? See Your Options