Judge issues juror badges to prevent improper communication

Just days after calling for a way to distinguish empanelled jurors from others around the courts, a High Court judge has implemented the use of identifying badges for jurors in the No. 5 Supreme Court.

On Monday, while addressing a new cohort of jurors, Madam Justice Pamela Beckles reminded them that once empanelled, they were prohibited from discussing the case, either among themselves or with anyone else, and must not allow others to approach them for that purpose either.

However, she noted that distinguishing jurors from accused persons, witnesses, attorneys, and others who often gather outside the courtroom was challenging, raising the risk of improper or inadvertent communication that could compromise the administration of justice.

At that time, Justice Beckles stated: “I know in other parts of the world it is done, so this is not original to me. It is not my invention, but I think we should consider having juror badges created for empanelled jurors.

“It is my thinking that if these badges are worn at all times by the empanelled jurors and are visible to everyone around, then this would ensure that witnesses, parties and attorneys do not inadvertently talk to you. It would be imperative that you wear your juror badge at all times in the courtroom and its environs, even the canteen. Wearing your juror badge at all times will alert people near you that they must stop talking about the case.”

On Wednesday, following the empanelling of a nine-member jury, each juror was issued a badge and instructed to wear it whenever within the court precincts.

Justice Beckles expressed hope that the measure would help prevent any improprieties arising from unintended communication.