The standard for granting a mistrial for juror misconduct was the subject of oral arguments this week before the Supreme Court of Ohio. During deliberations a juror conducted internet research and brought definitions of "manslaughter: involuntary" and "perverse" to deliberations even though the judge had declined to provide a definition for the latter term. After discussing the matter with counsel and questioning the juror (as well as allowing counsel to question), the judge granted the state's motion for a mistrial.
Good article and links to briefs is at: http://www.legallyspeakingohio.com/2011/10/oral-argument-preview-what-standard-should-be-used-to-grant-a-mistrial-for-juror-misconduct
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