Jury sequestration refers to the practice of isolating the jury from the external environment during a trial to safeguard their decision-making process from any external influences. This entails prohibiting them from returning home or interacting with individuals unrelated to the trial until they have reached a verdict. On the other hand, a jury wheel is a mechanism employed to randomly choose prospective jurors for a trial.
Jury sequestration involves keeping the jury together in a designated location, such as a hotel, throughout a trial. This measure is taken to prevent the jury from being influenced by external information or individuals. For instance, in high-profile cases with extensive media coverage, the judge may opt for sequestration to safeguard the jury from any potentially biasing information. Similarly, sequestration may be implemented if there are concerns about jury tampering or intimidation. These examples demonstrate how jury sequestration is employed to uphold the trial’s integrity and ensure that the jury’s decision remains uninfluenced by external factors. By isolating the jury from outside information, the judge can have confidence that their verdict is solely based on the evidence presented in court.
Jury sequestration is the process of isolating a jury from outside influences during a trial, typically by keeping them in a hotel or other designated location.
A jury may be sequestered when the court believes that outside influences, such as media coverage or public opinion, could unduly influence their decision-making during a high-profile or sensitive trial.
The length of jury sequestration varies depending on the circumstances of the trial. It can range from a few days to several weeks or even months.
During sequestration, jurors are typically prohibited from accessing media, communicating with anyone outside the jury, or discussing the case with each other until deliberations begin.
Jurors can request to be excused from sequestration, but the decision ultimately lies with the judge overseeing the trial.
Jurors are typically compensated for their time and expenses during sequestration, including lodging, meals, and other necessary costs.
If a juror violates the sequestration rules, it could result in a mistrial or other consequences, such as being removed from the jury.
Jurors may be allowed limited communication with their families during sequestration, but it is typically closely monitored and restricted to prevent outside influence on the trial.
High-profile cases often involve jury sequestration to protect the integrity of the trial and ensure that the jury’s decision is based solely on the evidence presented in court.
Jury sequestration is intended to prevent outside influences from affecting the jury’s decision-making, thereby ensuring a fair trial and just verdict.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/jury-sequestration/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Jury Sequestration. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 09 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/jury-sequestration/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Jury Sequestration. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/jury-sequestration/ (accessed: May 09 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Jury Sequestration. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 09 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/jury-sequestration/
Our team of professionals are based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. We offer clear, specialist legal advice in all matters relating to Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection.
All author posts