An excellent article in the Washington Post on 4-18-24 was written by columnist Philip Bump about his own experience as a juror in a high-profile case in a NY courtroom. He served over several months, at $40 a day, sitting in the case of financial crimes against persons associated with socialite Brooke Astor, The case was followed intensely in the media. One juror was discharged for reading the NY Post in the jury room. Mr. Bump's experiences in 2009 were likely similar to what the current Trump jurors are going through, yet social media coverage was certainly substantially less 15 years ago.
Challenges include avoiding, even unintentionally, being exposed to news coverage about the trial, and social media inquiries by friends and family. The certain financial pressures of those not earning a wage while on jury duty cause undo stress. And probably most obvious, fear that one's identity will be revealed, leading to threats and coercion by the defendant's supporters.
We owe much gratitude to these jurors serving the administration of justice under difficult circumstances.
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