A blog about the very small percentage of jurors who fail to follow the judge's instructions, including doing independent Internet research, using social media (such as Facebook) to contact parties and lawyers, and blogging about the trial. Juror misconduct frequently results in mistrials and a waste of resources. Links will be provided to sample jury summonses, jury instructions, and other resources to improve juror education and minimize juror misconduct, thereby promoting fairness of trials.
Friday, August 18, 2017
Friday, August 11, 2017
Jurors Cannot Consider Possible Sentence in Deliberations in Criminal Case
Judges instruct jurors that during their deliberations they cannot consider the possible sentence in determining guilt. The jurors in this case considered the comments of a juror about possible sentence, including release and credit for jail time already served. The murder conviction was reversed and a new trial ordered.
LINK: http://www.courts.ca.gov/opinions/documents/E065257.PDF
LINK: http://www.courts.ca.gov/opinions/documents/E065257.PDF
Monday, August 7, 2017
Pills Disappear From Jury Deliberation Room During Deliberations
During deliberations the Ohio jury had in its possession 71 oxycodone pills which were evidence admitted at trial. Sometime during deliberations someone, perhaps when the room was empty, took advantage and stole them.
http://www.dispatch.com/news/20170727/71-oxycodone-pills-go-missing-after-jury-deliberations-in-drug-case
http://www.dispatch.com/news/20170727/71-oxycodone-pills-go-missing-after-jury-deliberations-in-drug-case
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