What should a juror do if they need clarification on court testimony?

When a juror needs clarification on court testimony, the appropriate action is to submit a question to the judge for consideration. This procedure ensures that any inquiries regarding the testimony are addressed in an official and orderly manner. The judge can then consider the question's relevance and appropriateness before deciding how to respond, which may include clarifying the testimony for the jurors in a way that upholds legal standards and preserves the integrity of the trial.

This method of communication protects the jurors from discussing the matter amongst themselves, which could lead to misunderstandings or juror bias. Additionally, directly asking the court reporter or leaving the courtroom could disrupt the proceedings and compromise the juror's duty. Therefore, following the established protocol by submitting a question through the judge ensures that any necessary clarification is obtained in a professional and legal context.