Rule 28 – Communication with Jurors

May 14, 2021 | Criminal Procedure, New Hampshire

(a)Before and During Trial. Before and during trial, no attorney, party or witness shall personally or through any agent converse or otherwise communicate with any juror or any member of the venire from which the jury will be selected. During trial, when the judge must communicate with any juror or any member of the venire before the jury is excused, the communication shall be on the record.
(b)Post Trial. For thirty days after discharge of the jury venire on which a juror has served, no attorney or party shall personally or through an agent interview, examine or question any juror or family member with respect to the trial, verdict or deliberations. At no time, however, shall an attorney, party or any person acting for either of them ask questions of or make comments to a juror that are calculated to harass or embarrass the juror or to influence the juror’s actions in future jury service.
(c)Protective Order. Upon application of any person the court may issue appropriate protective orders and/or sanctions as justice may require.

N.H. R. Crim. P. 28

Adopted effective January 1, 2016 in Strafford and Cheshire counties and July 1, 2016 in Belknap County.