In California, the initial jury fee required from parties in a civil case is $150.
Understanding Jury Fees in California Civil Cases
When a jury trial is requested in a civil case in California, a specific fee must be paid by the parties involved. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with providing a jury.
Key Details of Civil Jury Fees
- Amount: The nonrefundable fee is one hundred fifty dollars ($150).
- Applicability: This fee applies to civil cases where a jury trial is demanded.
- Payer: At least one party on each side of the case must pay this fee. If one party on a given side has already paid the fee, other parties on the same side are not required to pay it again.
- Nature: The fee is nonrefundable, meaning it will not be returned even if the case settles or the jury is ultimately not empaneled.
This initial payment is a prerequisite for demanding a jury in a civil action, as outlined in California law.
Summary of Initial Jury Fee
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fee Amount | $150 |
| Case Type | Civil Cases |
| Requirement | Paid by at least one party demanding a jury on each side of the case. |
| Refundability | Nonrefundable |
| Legal Basis | Mandated by the California Code of Civil Procedure 631. |
Important Considerations
- Initial Payment Only: The $150 fee is the initial payment required to secure a jury. It does not cover potential additional costs that might arise during a jury trial, such as daily jury attendance fees, which are typically borne by the state or county.
- Waiver of Jury: While the fee is required when a jury is demanded, parties in a civil case can also waive their right to a jury trial under specific legal conditions.
- Statutory Requirement: The obligation to pay this fee is a statutory requirement for parties wishing to proceed with a jury trial in civil matters in California. You can find more details in the California Code of Civil Procedure 631.
