In her frequent talks to senior citizens groups, Schuylkill County District Attorney Christina A. Holman always includes mention of the law that exempts those over 75 from jury duty upon request.

But it was Clerk of Courts Maria T. Casey's recent experience with an elderly neighbor that prompted both women to double down on their efforts to spread the word."The need came to light when my 81-year-old neighbor, who is a recent widow, wanted to be excused. But she did not know that she could be if she requested it because of her age," Casey said."I thought, this is something we really need to bring to the public's attention," Casey said."We know they want to serve, but many times they are just unable to," she said.Letters sent to prospective jurors in the county do not include the information.Holman said she and Casey intend to fix that, perhaps by attaching stickers summarizing the law to the letters.Pennsylvania added the over-75 exemption in 2015. People who receive jury duty notices can just ask to be excused.Parking is a major concern for elderly jurors. The jurors' parking lot is adjacent to the prison across the street from the courthouse. But it's a long haul, complete with a set of steps, for an older person."It seems like it would be a hardship," Holman said.