Can a juror’s identity be kept confidential? Ask the lawyer
Q: I received a jury summons. If I now get on a jury, what happens with any exposure? Is my identity, my address, all that kept secret?
H.W., Encino
A: There is a growing trend aimed at protecting the privacy of jurors by limiting access to information from court proceedings. Information about jurors can be obtained only if there is a showing of good cause, and then only if the juror does not object. Further, here in California, juror information is sealed upon the end of a criminal trial.
California Rule of Court 8.332 sets forth that the name of each trial juror or alternate who is sworn in to hear a case must be replaced by an identifying number whenever the name appears in any document. The court clerk also is to keep under seal a list correlating the juror’s name with his or her identity number; this list is to be utilized with all transcripts and other records. The addresses and the phone numbers of jurors must be deleted from all documents.
California Code of Civil Procedure Section 237, which can be found online, delves into more detail in reiterating the protections of Rule of Court 8.332.
Q: I am going for jury duty this week. If I get selected, is there some level of payment?
L.K., Santa Ana
A: There is no payment for the first day of jury service. Thereafter, you are compensated $15 per day and 34 cents per mile, one way. Payment is computed at the conclusion of jury service; a check is mailed to your address. Payment will likely be received by you within a few days. As to parking, make sure to bring your jury summons or juror badge so you will not have to pay.
Jury links
The California courts have published a Jury Handbook. You can find it online at courts.ca.gov/documents/Jury_Handbook.pdf. The handbook addresses topics with informative detail from trial selection to final verdict, and provides guidance on questions often asked about what happens when you serve on a jury. The Los Angeles County Jury Commissioner also has an informative link that addresses many typical questions and answers about jury duty: lacourt.org/jury. These two links are worth exploring if you have questions about serving on a jury.
Ron Sokol has been a practicing attorney for over 40 years, and has also served many times as a judge pro tem, mediator, and arbitrator. It is important to keep in mind that this column presents a summary of the law, and is not to be treated or considered legal advice, let alone a substitute for actual consultation with a qualified professional.