What role do court officers play in jury trials?

Court officers play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and proper conduct of jury trials, and one of their key responsibilities is ensuring jurors are sequestered when necessary. Sequestration involves isolating the jury from outside influences to help preserve the impartiality and fairness of their deliberations, particularly in high-profile cases where media coverage may pose a risk of bias.

By overseeing the sequestration process, court officers help guarantee that jurors remain unbiased and are not exposed to information that could affect their decision-making. This is crucial in upholding the judicial system's standards and protecting the rights of all parties involved in a trial.

In contrast, selecting juries, presenting cases, and evaluating juror suitability are tasks typically handled by judges and attorneys rather than court officers. While court officers may assist during certain aspects of the jury selection process, their primary duty regarding jurors revolves around ensuring their seclusion when required. This distinction underscores the critical function court officers serve in the court environment, particularly in preserving the sanctity of the jury's deliberation process.