How to Get Along With Other Jurors

A jury is generally a mixed bag of personalities and life experiences that sometimes makes harmony difficult to achieve. Getting along is largely a matter of give-and-take, although no one should sacrifice beliefs or personal opinions on matters before the court.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Jury Summons
• Pens And Pencils
• Spiral Notebooks

1. Try not to pre-judge other jurors on the basis of their appearance or comments made during the jury selection process.
2. Be conscious of your own appearance and the first impression you make. Dress conservatively and be cooperative during the jury selection process.
3. Arrive on time each day and return promptly after breaks. Other jurors are likely to become annoyed if you waste their time and the court's time.
4. Spend some time getting to know other jurors. Find out about their jobs, families and hobbies. This process will help you to trust and care about each other, and will be valuable later if deliberations heat up.
5. Listen attentively in court. Do not speak to other jurors, read or otherwise occupy yourself with anything other than the evidence being presented.
6. Avoid making up your mind about the outcome of a case until the case has been given to the jury for deliberation.
7. Listen to each juror in deliberation, and respect every opinion expressed. Even if you disagree, every juror has the right to speak.
8. Avoid caving in to pressure if you have a strong conviction that your position is right, even if it contradicts others' opinions. On the other hand, changing your mind because you have a good reason for doing so will hasten the process of reaching a verdict.
9. Precisely follow all of the court's instructions to the jury and make sure you pay special attention to the law as presented by the judge before deliberation begins. Avoid acting on emotion.

Tips & Warnings

• When choosing a foreperson for the jury, lean toward someone who would be a good leader and guide for the jury, not someone who is extremely outspoken in favor of his or her own viewpoint. The foreperson often represents the key to successful (or unsuccessful) jury deliberations.
• Be very conscientious of the rules. If someone related to the case attempts to speak to you, contact you or influence you in any way, immediately report this to the judge.
• If you are on a long jury trial, you will need to be especially flexible on matters regarding hours, housing and/or meals.
• Avoid complaining about jury duty in general or about other aspects of your jury service.

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