Do pay close attention. If you cannot hear what is being said, raise your hand and let the judge know.

Do keep an open mind all throughout the trial.

Do listen carefully to the instructions read by the judge. Remember, it is your duty to understand what the judge is saying about the law, and how it is to be applied to the case.

Do take notes during the trial if necessary to help you remember critical information, unless the judge instructs you otherwise.

Don’t try to guess what the judge thinks about the case. Remember the rulings from the bench do not reflect the judge’s personal views.

Don’t talk about the case, or issues raised by the case, with anyone, including other jurors, while the trial is going on—except if instructed otherwise by the judge.

Don’t let others talk about the case in your presence, even family members. If someone insists on talking to you or another juror about the case, please report the matter to a
court employee. These rules are designed to help you keep an open mind during the trial. Don’t talk to the lawyers, parties, or witnesses about anything.

Don’t try to uncover evidence on your own. Decide the case only on the basis of evidence admitted in court.

Don’t let yourself get information about the case from news media or any other outside source. If you accidentally hear outside information about the case during the trial, tell a member of the court staff in private.