Legal Definitions - Sequester

Definition: Sequester can have two meanings:

1. The act of isolating someone during trial proceedings. This is done to preserve fairness during the trial. For example, the jury or some witness may be sequestered. This means that when they are not fulfilling their roles at trial, they may live in a hotel so that they are not influenced by the opinions of journalists, friends, and family.
2. The act of seizing property by a writ of sequestration.

Example: During a high-profile trial, the jury may be sequestered to prevent them from being influenced by outside opinions. They may be housed in a hotel and not allowed to communicate with anyone outside of the trial.

Example: In a legal dispute, a court may order the sequestration of property. This means that the property is seized and held until the dispute is resolved.

Both examples illustrate the concept of sequester, which involves isolating or seizing something to preserve fairness or resolve a dispute.