What must a U.S. citizen do when summoned for jury duty?

When summoned for jury duty, a U.S. citizen is required to attend court if able. This duty is considered an important part of civic responsibility and participation in the judicial system. Jury duty helps ensure that the legal process functions fairly and effectively, allowing a group of peers to evaluate legal matters and make informed decisions.

Attending jury duty is mandated by law, and failing to comply without a valid reason could result in penalties such as fines or other legal repercussions. While options like requesting a day off work may be practical considerations for employees, they do not fulfill the legal obligation to attend jury duty. Refusing to comply with the summons or choosing to pay a fine instead of appearing are not acceptable actions under the law, as they undermine the purpose of jury service.