Legal Definitions - withdrawing a juror

Definition: Withdrawing a juror refers to the act of removing a juror from a trial. This is usually done to obtain a continuance in a case or, in some cases, to end the case altogether. For example, a judge may recommend withdrawing a juror if the case is not properly before the court or if the parties are too anxious to proceed to a verdict.

Example: In a criminal trial, one of the jurors may become ill or have a family emergency that requires them to leave the trial. In this case, the judge may decide to withdraw the juror and replace them with an alternate juror to ensure that the trial can continue without delay.

Example: In a civil trial, the parties may reach a settlement agreement before the trial is completed. In this case, the judge may recommend withdrawing the jurors and ending the trial since the case has been resolved outside of court.

These examples illustrate how withdrawing a juror can be used to ensure that a trial proceeds fairly and efficiently. Whether it is due to unforeseen circumstances or a settlement agreement, withdrawing a juror can help to ensure that justice is served in a timely manner.