Sunday, January 25, 2009

Sealed Verdict

Rule 649. Sealed Verdict.

(A) Upon the consent of all parties the judge may permit the jury to seal its verdict.

(B) The sealed verdict shall remain in the custody of the foreman of the jury who shall bring it to the next session of court stated by the trial judge. Once a verdict is sealed, the jurors may separate, but all jurors must return to open court to render the jury’s verdict, with all parties present.

(C) If upon the poll of a jury there is no concurrence with a sealed verdict, the judge shall not accept the verdict, but shall declare a mistrial and discharge the jury.