Presidential Candidate Leaves the Campaign Trail to Fulfill Jury Duty

The Hill reports that Democrat Tom Steyer will suspend his campaign to report for jury duty in San Francisco.

How to Pack for Jury Duty

After recently serving on a two-week trial, juror Megan Wollerton tells readers how to get ready for jury service. Her “to do” list includes bringing a portable battery pack, snacks, a reusable water bottle, and downloading a Smarty Park mobile app. Ms. Wollerton’s piece might be useful to jury managers trying to improve court amenities.

What Happens When Trial Counsel Forgets to Ask the “Insurance Question” During Voir Dire?

In a long line of cases going back at least as early as 1929, Missouri trial judges have no discretion to refuse to permit a plaintiff’s counsel to inquire into a juror’s potential relationship with the defendant’s insurer even though evidence of a defendant’s liability insurance is inadmissible under the collateral source rule. In Eoff v. McDonald, the Missouri Supreme Court recently defined when a trial court can cut off counsel’s right to ask potential jurors about insurance company affiliation.

An Example of Risk - When a Judge Makes Comments to the Jury About Exhibit Contents

In Sorensen v. State, the defendant was convicted of possession of methamphetamine. When a bag of the drugs was admitted into evidence without objection, the trial judge stated to the jury:

Ladies and gentlemen, I would tell you that I usually don’t feel comfortable having jurors actually handle a substance like methamphetamine without any gloves. So, you will have an opportunity in this case to inspect that in more detail if you would like during deliberations. What we will probably do if you wish to do that is have you come into the courtroom and have you put on gloves if you want to do that during your deliberations (emphasis added).

The Wyoming Supreme Court rejected the defendant’s argument that the judge’s comment to the jury prejudiced the jury’s evaluation of whether the substance was indeed methamphetamine.

Jury Selection in Washington, D.C. Reveals Small-Town Connections

Greg Craig, a former high-level lawyer in the Clinton and Obama administrations, is on trial for allegedly giving a false statement during special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation of the 2016 presidential election. In its coverage of the trial, Politico reports on how often well-connected Washington denizens can show up in jury selection in a D.C. courtroom.

We Want to Know About Jury Innovators

NCSC is accepting nominations for the G. Thomas Munsterman Award for Jury Innovation, which recognizes states, local courts, or individuals who have made significant improvements or innovations in jury procedures, operations, or practices. If you know a group or individual who deserves to be nominated, contact Greg Mize. Be sure to complete and include this form with your nomination.