Clearwater Criminal Defense Attorney Kevin Hayslett Expresses Concern for the Well-Being of Jurors
Online, September 9, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Tampa criminal lawyer Kevin Hayslett, commented on the recent media interest in the well-being of jurors serving on high-profile cases like Florida's recent George Zimmerman trial. Attorney Kevin Hayslett expressed concern for jurors on nationally-covered cases who often endure ongoing media frenzies after being released from rigorous court proceedings.
High-profile criminal cases can be exhausting for jurors physically and mentally for a number of reasons, namely the gravity of the decision resting upon them. On top of that, additional stress includes separation from family and friends and removal from the comforts of home. Many jurors also feel burdened by personal and business responsibilities outside the courtroom that are not suspended just because they were summoned.
Attorney Hayslett commented, "Combine the effects of sequestration with stressors related to the trial itself, and compound all of that with the media frenzy that awaited the jurors once they were released. When you do that math, the sudden and desperate need to create distance displayed by the Zimmerman trial jurors becomes easy not only to comprehend, but to relate to."
Sequestered jurors are isolated from any potential forms of media influence. All incoming and outgoing forms of communication are restricted and monitored. Jurors are removed from their home environments and only exposed to authorized forms of entertainment and communication to ensure that unauthorized trial information doesn't reach them.
"A high profile case, like the Zimmerman trial, is a tremendous ordeal for all involved. The more compassion we offer to these jurors, the easier it will be for them to reintegrate into their everyday lives--which were not paused while they served the great state of Florida." Attorney Hayslett commented.