Can an employee be penalized for serving on jury duty?

No. An employee’s job status must stay the same after returning from jury duty.

Employers cannot discharge, demote, or discriminate against an employee for serving, as long as the employee gave the required notice before taking time off.

Employees who are discharged, demoted, or suspended for serving are entitled to reinstatement and reimbursement for lost wages and benefits.

An employer who willfully refuses to rehire or restore an employee after jury duty commits a Class A misdemeanor.

For more information, visit the State of Tennessee Attendance and Leave Manual.