Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, as you now must realize, the function which you have
performed is the most important task which you will ever be called upon to fulfill. With the
return of your verdict, your service in this case is complete.
The key to your function has been the free discussion among yourselves during your
deliberations. It is essential to the continuation of the fair administration of justice that those
discussions remain solely within your minds.
Upon your discharge you are not required, except upon Order of this Court, to discuss
your deliberations or verdict with anyone. Additionally, no person connected with this trial is
permitted, under the Rules of Court, to engage you in conversation about this matter or your role
in its outcome.
All jurors have a right to expect that their communications with their fellow jurors during
deliberations will remain confidential. (It is in the public interest that there be the utmost
freedom of discussion in the jury room and that each juror be permitted to express his or her
views without fear of incurring public scorn or the anger of any of the litigants.)
Under no circumstances should you make a statement which you would not be willing to
repeat under oath in open court in the presence of your fellow jurors.
[Thank Jurors For Their Service]
*In addition to giving this charge upon dismissal of the jury, a judge may wish to give the charge
at the beginning of the case as well.
