NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

To "sequester" a jury means to isolate jurors from outside influences during a trial. This practice is often implemented in high-profile cases where there is a significant risk that jurors may be affected by media coverage, public opinion, or other external factors that could compromise their ability to render an impartial verdict. By sequestering the jury, the court aims to ensure that jurors make their decisions based solely on the evidence presented in the courtroom, without the interference of outside information or distractions.

The other options describe scenarios that do not accurately reflect the purpose of sequestering. Grouping jurors for deliberation refers more to their discussions after the trial has concluded, while discussing the case before the trial contradicts the notion of impartiality that sequestering aims to protect. Collecting evidence directly from jurors also does not pertain to the practice of sequestering, as this would violate legal principles governing juror conduct and integrity during the proceedings.