South Dakota Motion to Sequester Jurors Prior to and During the Trial of this Case: A Comprehensive Guide Introduction: In South Dakota, the Motion to Sequester Jurors Prior to and During the Trial of a case plays a crucial role in ensuring a fair trial and preserving the integrity of the jury's decision-making process. This motion is filed by either the prosecution or the defense, with the goal of isolating jurors from external influences that could potentially bias their judgment or compromise the trial's outcome. Types of South Dakota Motions to Sequester Jurors: 1. Pre-Trial Sequester Motion: The Pre-Trial Sequester Motion is filed as a preventative measure to minimize the possibility of jurors being influenced by external sources before the trial commences. This motion requests that the court isolate the jurors from any potential sources of information or undue pressure that could taint their impartiality. 2. In-Trial Sequester Motion: The In-Trial Sequester Motion is filed during the trial and seeks to isolate the jurors from any outside influences that could impact their ability to objectively evaluate the evidence and render a fair verdict. This motion is often requested when high-profile cases garner significant media attention or when there is concern about potential juror misconduct. Key Considerations for Filing the Motion: 1. Media Attention: When a case attracts substantial media attention, the possibility of jurors being exposed to biased reporting increases. The Motion to Sequester Jurors allows the court to regulate access to media coverage and prevent jurors from being influenced by potentially prejudiced or inaccurate information. 2. Juror Misconduct: Instances of juror misconduct, such as discussing the case with individuals not involved in the trial or conducting independent research, can seriously undermine the fairness of the trial. By filing a Motion to Sequester Jurors, the court can mitigate the risks associated with such behavior, ensuring a more reliable verdict. 3. Jury Tampering: The Motion to Sequester Jurors can be particularly relevant in cases where there is a risk of jury tampering. This motion shields jurors from external pressures, preventing outside individuals or parties from attempting to influence their decision-making process. Benefits of Sequestering Jurors: 1. Reduction of Biases: By isolating jurors from external influences, the Motion to Sequester Jurors promotes an unbiased evaluation of the evidence present at trial. Jurors are shielded from potentially prejudiced information, allowing them to focus solely on the facts presented in court. 2. Preservation of Fair Trial: Sequestering jurors helps maintain the integrity of the trial process and safeguards against prejudice or undue influence. It fosters an environment where jurors can make informed and impartial decisions based on the evidence alone, without external bias or pressure. Conclusion: The South Dakota Motion to Sequester Jurors Prior to and During the Trial of this Case is an essential tool in ensuring fairness, objectivity, and the reliability of the jury's verdict. By requesting the sequestration of jurors, parties involved in a trial can eliminate external influences that may jeopardize the integrity of the decision-making process, thereby upholding the principles of justice and equality.