ABA Family Legal Guide

Criminal Justice

Court Procedures

Trial

Will the court protect jurors against danger of threats or violence?

The law entitles jurors to such protection. Very occasionally, the court sequesters the jury (houses it in a hotel to isolate it from outside influences) throughout the trial. It is more common to sequester a jury during its deliberations. Police officers or court officials escort the jury to and from court. After the trial, the police will continue as best they can to ensure the safety of discharged jurors, at least for a time. On rare occasions the court can even empanel an anonymous jury.