Jury Observer Guide

Jury deliberation is an important part in the Teen Court process. In order to maintain the professional atmosphere we are assigning Jury Supervisors to sit in the jury deliberation room. The jury supervisor is not a member of the jury; the supervisor doesn't have a say in the sentence of the defendant. They are there to help keep the peace in the deliberation room if needed, and to remind them of what is evidence and is not. The jury has a guide sheet that you can remind them to refer to.

The responsibility of the jury supervisor is to make sure that:

• The voices don't get too loud
• No one is being bullied
  • Everyone has the right to express his/her thoughts
• The jury is only talking about the evidence in the case
• The verdict is unanimous
  • Every member of the jury has to agree on the verdict

At no time is the Jury Supervisor to:

• Answer questions concerning the case/If there are questions, the jury foreperson should write the question on paper and submit it to the judge. The judge may or may not be able to answer it.
• Express their views on the case
• Instruct or suggest to the jury on what sanctions to give the defendant
• Jump in to maintain order until it appears the jury cannot learn to do it on their own.

It is important to follow these guidelines even if you are dying to give input and talk. If a jury ever thinks you are influencing the process it wouldn't be Teen Court. Lay low and remain silent unless you need to address the jury.