What exactly are the restrictions of a sequestered jury?

[Jillpie]

I know they're all sent back to the hotel after spending the day in court. But what then? Are they free to walk around town, go to restaurants, shop? Or are they literally stuck in their hotel rooms for the rest of the day and night? Also, I know they don't have access to news and newspapers, so do they block those stations from their TV or just not have TV access at all lol, seriously I'd die! Anyone know?
Oh, one more, do they confiscate their cell phones, are they allowed to talk to family all this time?

 

[Feralpeg]

I was never sequestered, but did serve as a juror several times. Once deliberations started, we couldn't even go to lunch by ourselves. If we weren't in the jury room, we had to have a deputy with us at all times.

 

[Jillpie]

Thanks...does anyone know the answers though to the above?

 

[momto2inKC]

One of the reporters was talking about the jury restrictions in Caseys trial and the parts I remember were they were allowed newspapers. However, the newspapers were first went through and some stories were cut out (obviously anything having to do with her trial). They also said that they were allowed tv, but the court had the hotel filter the channels they were allowed to have. The judge in Caseys case also had special outings and dinners for the jury.
I don't think I answered any of your specific questions, sorry but that's what I saw on tv.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Typically you are pretty restricted as outlined by the PP.

 

[joviroxx]

I know they're all sent back to the hotel after spending the day in court. But what then? Are they free to walk around town, go to restaurants, shop? Or are they literally stuck in their hotel rooms for the rest of the day and night? Also, I know they don't have access to news and newspapers, so do they block those stations from their TV or just not have TV access at all lol, seriously I'd die! Anyone know?
Oh, one more, do they confiscate their cell phones, are they allowed to talk to family all this time?

No, they cannot walk around, etc. They are pretty much confined to the hotel or courthouse. A few times they went out to dinner but it was planned by the Judge and the courts. The restaurants were prepared for them,

They have DVD's. Every now and then during the trial, the Judge and attorneys would go over the list of DVD and approve or reject the requested movies. Same for TV stations. The list of allowable stations was discussed and approved by the Judge and both sides.

They made an agreement with the local paper. Papers were supplied by the , after Judge Perry's request , they blacked out all coverage of the case.

They had family visits on Sundays. They had computers available to be able to pay bills, etc. Phone calls can be monitored and no cell phones.

The judge did try to set up outings. I remember during the Hockey playoffs, he arranged an outing for them all to watch a Tampa Bay Lightning game.

Not easy, not fun.

 

[Swan4Me]

I was on a sequestered jury for 3 days

After court each day we were escorted to a restaurant for dinner-had a private eating area. no discussion about trial allowed. there was a sherrif with us.

Back in room about 8, could watch TV but had to turn off if we saw any mention of trial. Honestly-mine was not on the tv

AM went to breakfast with the sherriff at the hotel-lunch was brought in to the jury room

I hated sharing a hotel room with a stranger-altho she was a nice lady

 

[Jillpie]

Thanks everyone, very helpful info!

 

[mhsjax]

I was on a sequestered jury for 3 days

After court each day we were escorted to a restaurant for dinner-had a private eating area. no discussion about trial allowed. there was a sherrif with us.

Back in room about 8, could watch TV but had to turn off if we saw any mention of trial. Honestly-mine was not on the tv

AM went to breakfast with the sherriff at the hotel-lunch was brought in to the jury room

I hated sharing a hotel room with a stranger-altho she was a nice lady

They were saying that on this trial, each member had their own hotel room, this was said after deliberations started, because they didn't want them to talk about it even with each other, other than in deliberations. I don't know if was this was during the actual trial or not.

 

[Swan4Me]

Mine was a mid sized city-no media involved-and 25 years ago

I'm sure private rooms is the thing nowadays

 

[aprilgail2]

They had family visits on Sundays. They had computers available to be able to pay bills, etc. Phone calls can be monitored and no cell phones.

.

ONE day for family visits---what the heck do you do if you are a single parent??

I was on a sequestered jury for 3 days

I hated sharing a hotel room with a stranger-altho she was a nice lady

share a room???? With a stranger???? Oh heck NO

 

[Aisling]

My husband said he read that the jurors were taken to a bowling alley one time.

 

[joviroxx]

ONE day for family visits---what the heck do you do if you are a single parent??

During jury selection jurors were excused for hardships. Many single parents who had no one to watch their kids were excused. Judge Perry was very good in making sure that the jurors chosen would not face hardships either financially or taking care of their families.