Jury Instruction - Note-Taking - Permitted

Most judges allow jurors to take notes during trials. At the commencement of the trial, the jury is handed small notepads and pencils for note taking. The judge also typically gives the jury some basic administrative instructions about what to do with the notebooks when they are finished each day.

In the UK, for example, jurors can take notes although they are not always told this and they are given no opportunity to review their notes prior to reaching a verdict.

(1) Tell the person it is improper for a juror to discuss the case or receive any information except in the courtroom. (2) Refuse to listen if the outsider persists. (3) Report the incident at once to the judge. Jurors have the duty to report to the judge any improper behavior by any juror.

2021 California Rules of Court Jurors must be permitted to take written notes in all civil and criminal trials. At the beginning of a trial, a trial judge must inform jurors that they may take written notes during the trial.

Eligibility. In terms of the Jury Amendment Act 2010, you may have 'good cause' to be excused if: jury service would cause undue hardship or serious inconvenience to you or your family. you have a disability that makes you unsuitable or incapable of effectively serving as a juror, without reasonable accommodation.

Most judges allow jurors to take notes during trials. At the commencement of the trial, the jury is handed small notepads and pencils for note taking. The judge also typically gives the jury some basic administrative instructions about what to do with the notebooks when they are finished each day.

Jurors are required to leave their notes in the courtroom/deliberation room at the end of each day, and they should not show their notes to one another until deliberations. They do not have to take notes. Notepads are available if they choose to use them.