Anonymous Juries
The Google Bomb E-Bill of Rights calls upon the Courts and Legislatures to maintain the anonymity of jurors in certain civil cases. There is movement on the front of juror anonymity. The Richmond Times Dispatch reported in July, 2009 as follows:
Published: July 8, 2009
If adopted, a proposal to keep the names of jurors confidential, at least from the public, in all criminal trials apparently would make Virginia unique in the country.
It is not clear if a defendant in Virginia ever has harmed a juror. That possibility is one of the concerns behind a law the General Assembly passed last year.
That law permits judges to keep jurors’ identifying information secret from all but the lawyers in a case — even from the defendant — when a judge finds good cause there is a “likelihood” of bribery, tampering, or physical injury or harassment to jurors.
So, an appreciation for the risks to jurors is evolving. Let’s hope my call for protections in civil cases draws the attention of the law makers. In fact, you can help by contacting your legislator and pushing for such a law. One better…join together with other like minded individuals and push for such a law in your state. And keep us abreast as to how your bill is doing in your state.
