Jurors Code of Conduct

Be on time. The trial cannot proceed until all jurors are present.

Pay close attention to what is being said. If you cannot hear what is being said, raise your hand and let the judge know.

Do not talk about the case with anyone while the trial is in progress, including other jurors or family members.

If any outsider attempts to talk with you about a case you are serving on, please do the following:

    1) tell the person it is improper for a juror to discuss the case or receive any information outside the courtroom;

    2) refuse to listen if the outsider persists;

    3) report the incident at once to the judge’s bailiff or court security staff.

Report to the judge’s bailiff any improper behavior by a fellow juror.

Jurors on a case should refrain from discussing any subject, even it if is not related to the matter being tried, with any lawyer, witness or participant in the case. Such contact may make a new trial necessary.

If it develops during the trial that a juror learns elsewhere of some fact about the case, he/she should inform the court immediately. Do not mention any such matter in the jury room.

Do not try to conduct your own investigation or discover evidence on your own. Cases must be decided only on the basis of evidence admitted in court.

Listen carefully to the instructions given to you by the judge before deliberations. It is your responsibility to accept the judge’s instructions about the law and how it is to be applied to the case.

Do not talk to anyone about your deliberations or about the verdict until you are discharged from the case by the judge. After discharge, you may discuss the verdict and the deliberations with anyone, including the media, the lawyers, or your family. However, you are NOT obligated to do so.