The Dont's of being on a jury

There have been several news articles in recent months about jurors behaving badly in South Florida courtrooms:  using a dictionary to define a term; conducting an experiment on drinking; posting on Facebook.  

In the courtroom, before a jury is picked for a particular case, the judge reads an instructions about the rules jurors must follow to give the parties a fair trial. Jurors 

• must decide the case only on the evidence presented in the courtroom.
• must not communicate with anyone about the case, the people and places involved, or their jury service.
• must not disclose their thoughts about the case or ask for advice on how to decide this case.
• must not use electronic devices or cell phones to communicate about this case, including tweeting, texting, blogging, e-mailing, posting information on a website or chat room, or any other means at all. 
• must not do any research or look up words, names, maps, or anything else that may have anything to do with this case whether in the courthouse or at home.

After the jury is picked, the judge repeats these rules several times and adds that jurors:

• should not discuss the case amongst themselves orform any definite opinion about the case until they have heard all the evidence, the lawyers’ arguments, and the instructions on the law given by the judge.
• should not communicate with anyone, including fellow jurors, about this case. Communication includes e-mailing, text messaging, tweeting, blogging, or any other form of communication.
• Cannot do any research about the case or look up any information about the case.

If a juror violates the rules, they may be held in contempt of court where they face up to six months in jail and a fine.

If you or someone you know is facing a contempt of court charge, contact Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney Gary Cole. 

1209 SE 3rd Ave.

Fort Lauderdale FL 33316

(954) 462-4600 - Office

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