Jury Instructions For Judges and Attorneys
The Judicial Council of California has adopted award-winning plain language civil and criminal jury instructions that accurately convey the law using language that is understandable to jurors.
California Civil Jury Instructions
Criminal Jury Instructions (CALCRIM)
This poster is a reminder to jurors that bans on research and dissemination of trial-related information apply to all forms of electronic and wireless communication. Please be aware that inappropriate use of social media and the internet is prohibited.
PDF versions of the poster are provided in two sizes: 8.5” x 11” and 11” x 17”.
Judicial Council of California Jury References
Jury Improvement Program
- Jury Improvement Program Fact Sheet (March 2010, rev. 2023)
- History of the Jury Improvement Program (August 2018, rev. 2023)
- Juror Orientation Video Fact Sheet (2023)
- Jury Service and Implicit Bias Fact Sheet (2023)
- One Day or One Trial Fact Sheet (2010, rev. 2023)
- Task Force on Jury System Improvements, Final Report (2003, rev. 2004)
- Final Report of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Jury System Improvement (1996)
Brochures
Reports to the Legislature
- Jury Peremptory Challenges in Criminal Misdemeanor Cases: Report to the Legislature, Code of Civil Procedure section 231 (2020)
- Jury Sanctions: Report to the Legislature, Code of Civil Procedure section 209 (2009)
- Jury Sanctions Procedure: Report to the Legislature, Code of Civil Procedure section 209 (2007)
Court Administration
- Sample Jury Services Policy (2023)
- Jury Service Prescreening Questionnaire Template (2021)
- Juror Questionnaire for Civil Cases (September 2018)
- Juror Questionnaire for Criminal Cases (September 2018)
- Juror Questionnaire for Expedited Jury Trials (September 2018)
- Sample Juror Voir Dire Questionnaire (June 2018, rev. 2021)
- Failure-to-Appear Toolkit (2009)
- Failure-to-Appear Appendices (2009)
(Please note that you need to download these to your computer before accessing.) - Model Juror Summons (2000, rev. 2020)
National Center for State Courts References - Prepared for the Judicial Council of California
Jury Improvement Program, Jury Data Report (JDR) - References and Reports
- Jury Data Report Fact Sheet (May 2011, rev. 2023)
- National Center for State Courts, CourTools Measure 8: Effective Use of Jurors (2005, ver. 2.0 2011)
External Resources
Jury Education and Management Forum
Center for Jury Studies
National Center for State Courts
300 Newport Avenue
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Phone (800) 616-6164
Fax (757) 564-2022
California Grand Jurors' Association
Public Relations Officer
Phone (805) 532-1321
Contact Info
For information regarding the Jury Improvement Program, you may reach us at:
Note: We are not involved in day-to-day court operations and cannot assist you with summonses, excuses, postponements, proof of service, payments, or other jury-related tasks that are the responsibility of each court.
Find Your Court
If you have an issue with your jury service, need to access jury information, find a local self-help desk and much more, please contact your local court.