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California Code, Penal Code - PEN § 1122

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a) After the jury has been sworn and before the people's opening address, the court shall instruct the jury generally concerning its basic functions, duties, and conduct. The instructions shall include, among other matters, all of the following admonitions:

(1) That the jurors shall not converse among themselves, or with anyone else, conduct research, or disseminate information on any subject connected with the trial. The court shall clearly explain, as part of the admonishment, that the prohibition on conversation, research, and dissemination of information applies to all forms of electronic and wireless communication.

(2) That they shall not read or listen to any accounts or discussions of the case reported by newspapers or other news media.

(3) That they shall not visit or view the premises or place where the offense or offenses charged were allegedly committed or any other premises or place involved in the case.

(4) That prior to, and within 90 days of, discharge, they shall not request, accept, agree to accept, or discuss with any person receiving or accepting, any payment or benefit in consideration for supplying any information concerning the trial.

(5) That they shall promptly report to the court any incident within their knowledge involving an attempt by any person to improperly influence any member of the jury.

(b) The jury shall also, at each adjournment of the court before the submission of the cause to the jury, whether permitted to separate or kept in charge of officers, be admonished by the court that it is their duty not to conduct research, disseminate information, or converse among themselves, or with anyone else, on any subject connected with the trial, or to form or express any opinion about the case until the cause is finally submitted to them.The court shall clearly explain, as part of the admonishment, that the prohibition on research, dissemination of information, and conversation applies to all forms of electronic and wireless communication.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - California Code, Penal Code - PEN § 1122 - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/penal-code/pen-sect-1122/

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