What is a Sequestered Jury and Why It Matters in Legal Trials

Q: Can a jury be sequestered in civil cases?

Yes, although it is more common in criminal trials, civil cases may also warrant sequestration.

Q: How does sequestration affect the trial process?

Sequestration aims to ensure that jurors make decisions based solely on the evidence presented in court, maintaining the trial&#039;s fairness.

Definition & Meaning

A sequestered jury is a group of jurors who are isolated from the outside world during a trial. This isolation is mandated by the judge to prevent any outside influences, such as news or media coverage, from affecting the jurors' decisions. The purpose of sequestering a jury is to ensure that their verdict is based solely on the evidence and arguments presented in court, free from external distractions or pressures.

Table of content

Legal Use & context

Sequestered juries are primarily used in criminal trials, especially in high-profile cases where media coverage may be extensive. The judge may decide to sequester the jury to maintain the integrity of the trial process. This practice can also occur in civil cases when the potential for jury bias is significant. Users can manage related legal documents, such as jury instructions or motions for sequestration, using templates available from US Legal Forms.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Hypothetical example: In a high-profile murder trial, the judge may sequester the jury to prevent them from being influenced by the extensive media coverage surrounding the case. The jurors would stay in a hotel and would not be allowed to leave or access news reports until the trial concludes.

State-by-state differences

State	Sequestration Practices
California	Commonly used in high-profile cases; jurors may be sequestered for the entire trial.
Florida	Judges have discretion; sequestration is often used in cases with significant public attention.
New York	Sequestration is rare but may occur in sensitive cases; jurors may be housed in a hotel.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term	Definition
Sequestered Jury	A jury isolated from outside influences during a trial.
Advisory Jury	A jury that provides a non-binding opinion to the judge.
Hung Jury	A jury that cannot reach a unanimous decision.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are involved in a case where a sequestered jury may be necessary, it is important to discuss this with your attorney. They can provide guidance on how to request sequestration and what to expect during the trial. You can also explore US Legal Forms for templates related to jury instructions or motions.

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Quick facts

Typical duration: Until the trial concludes.
Jurisdiction: Varies by state.
Potential costs: Accommodation and meals for jurors.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

What happens to jurors during sequestration?

Jurors are housed in accommodations and have limited access to communication with the outside world.