Sequestration is traumatizing for jurors…and that can’t be good for the defendant.
In high-profile cases, jurors are sometimes sequestered to ensure that the defendant has a fair trial by restricting the jury’s access to the media and members of the community who might influence their decision. This process can be extremely stressful and traumatizing to jurors, who are already under significant pressure to arrive at a fair verdict.
“Some have argued that sequestration can and does impact the frame of mind of at least some jurors,” says Menaker. “I can certainly attest to that. I felt I was being held against my will with no recourse. And I was not the only juror who felt that way. When jurors feel desperate to return to their homes and families, how can they possibly render a verdict that is just? Sequestration is rare, thankfully, but most, if not all, jury duty comes with its own stressors. Our legal system should do all it can to minimize stress and trauma for the jurors—for their own sake as well as the sake of the people on trial.”
