The act of isolating a jury from outside influences during a trial or deliberation is a procedural mechanism employed to ensure impartiality. This isolation prevents jurors from accessing news reports, social media, and communications with individuals not involved in the case, thereby minimizing the risk of bias. It typically involves housing jurors in a secure location, restricting their access to technology, and monitoring their interactions.
This practice serves to protect the integrity of the judicial process by safeguarding the jury’s decision-making from external pressures and information that has not been presented in court. Historically, it has been utilized in high-profile or controversial cases where extensive media coverage or public sentiment could potentially sway jurors. The rationale is that an impartial verdict can only be achieved when the jury’s deliberations are based solely on the evidence and arguments presented during the trial.
