Bill Summaries: H 522 MODIFY SERVICE/RELEASE OF ALTERNATE JURORS.

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  • Summary date: Jul 26 2021 - View Summary

    AN ACT TO MODIFY THE PROVISIONS REGULATING THE SERVICE AND RELEASE OF ALTERNATE JURORS. SL 2021-94. Enacted July 22, 2021. Effective October 1, 2021.


  • Summary date: Jun 23 2021 - View Summary

    Senate committee substitute to the 1st edition adds the following content.

    Amends GS 15A-1221 to no longer provide for alternate jurors who have not been seated to be excused upon the jury retiring to deliberate in a jury trial.

    Amends GS 15A-1340.16 to permit alternate jurors to become jurors at any time prior to rendering a decision to the court regarding whether one or more aggravating factors exist with regard to sentencing. Requires the court to instruct the jury to begin its deliberations anew if an alternate juror replaces a juror after deliberations have begun. Prohibits more than 12 jurors from participating in jury deliberations.

    Amends GS 20-179 to make substantively identical changes regarding alternate jurors becoming jurors at any time prior to rendering a decision on the existence of one or more aggravating factors with regard to impaired driving sentencing as those made to GS 15A-1340.16.

    Maintains the act's effective date of October 1, 2021.


  • Summary date: Apr 9 2021 - View Summary

    Amends GS 15A-1215(a)(seating alternate jurors) to do the following: (1) direct courts to ensure alternate jurors do not discuss the case with anyone until they become a juror or are discharged; (2) permit alternate jurors to become jurors at any time before a verdict is rendered; (3) require that jury deliberations begin anew when an alternate juror becomes a juror; (4) provide that no more than twelve jurors can participate in deliberations; (5) provide that alternate jurors must be discharged at the same time and in the same manner as the original jury. Effective October 1, 2021 and applies to jurors and alternate jurors selected on or after that date.