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Term: Jury Stress
Definition: Jury stress is when a person feels uncomfortable and worried while serving on a jury. This can happen because their normal routine is disrupted, lawyers ask them difficult questions, they feel pressure to make a decision, or they see upsetting evidence. Sometimes, jurors can continue to feel sick or sad even after the trial is over. To help jurors feel better, courts are trying to give them more notice before they have to serve, explain things in simple language, and offer counseling services for free.
Jury stress is when a person who is serving on a jury feels physical discomfort and mental anxiety because of their jury duty. This stress can come from changes to their daily routine, difficult questions from lawyers, the pressure of making a decision during deliberations, and seeing disturbing evidence. Some jurors may even continue to feel sick or sad after their jury duty is over.
These examples show how different aspects of jury duty can cause stress for jurors. It's important for courts to recognize this and try to make the experience as comfortable as possible for jurors.
Courts are working to make jury duty less stressful for jurors. They are giving jurors more notice about when they need to serve, and they are using plain language to explain the rules of the trial. Some courts also offer counseling services to jurors who are involved in high-profile cases or who are feeling particularly stressed.