Connecticut Preschooler Accidentally Summoned for Jury Duty

4-year-old Zara Ibrahimi told her father: "I'm just a baby!"

Feb. 7, 2026 at 12:47am

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A 4-year-old preschool student in Connecticut was mistakenly summoned for jury duty after her name was pulled from a state database that did not include birth dates. Zara Ibrahimi's father, Dr. Omar Ibrahimi, received the jury summons letter and was surprised to see his young daughter's name on it. Officials say the error likely occurred through the state's Department of Revenue Services, which does not provide birth date information.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges state jury selection systems can face when relying on databases that lack key identifying information like birth dates. While the mistake will likely be easily rectified, it raises questions about how to ensure young children are not accidentally called for civic duties they are not prepared to fulfill.

The details

When Dr. Ibrahimi opened the jury duty letter, he assumed it was intended for him. But to his surprise, it was addressed to his 4-year-old daughter Zara. "We told her, we said 'Zara, you got called for jury duty' and then she looked over and she said 'I'm just a baby!'," Ibrahimi recounted. Officials say Zara's name was likely pulled from the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services database, which does not include birth date information. Ibrahimi completed the required forms, noting that Zara had not yet completed high school.

  • In early February 2026, Zara Ibrahimi, age 4, received a jury duty summons from the Connecticut Judicial Branch.

The players

Zara Ibrahimi

A 4-year-old preschool student in Connecticut who was mistakenly summoned for jury duty.

Dr. Omar Ibrahimi

Zara's father, who received the jury duty summons letter addressed to his young daughter.

Connecticut Judicial Branch

The state agency that oversees the Connecticut Jury Administration and sent the jury duty summons to Zara Ibrahimi.

Connecticut Department of Revenue Services

The state agency whose database, which lacks birth date information, was likely the source of Zara's name being pulled for jury duty.

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What they’re saying

“We told her, we said 'Zara, you got called for jury duty' and then she looked over and she said 'I'm just a baby!'”

— Dr. Omar Ibrahimi, Zara's father

What’s next

Officials assured that Zara will have 'no problem' being excused from jury duty.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of comprehensive databases for jury selection to avoid accidentally summoning young children who are not prepared to fulfill civic duties. It also underscores the need for state agencies to work together to ensure accurate information is used in the jury selection process.