(b) Responsibilities. At the conclusion of the guilt or innocence phase of the trial, each alternate juror will be excused with instructions to remain in the courtroom. The jury will then retire to consider its verdict, and each alternate will be excused with appropriate instructions that the alternate juror may have to return for an additional hearing should the defendant be convicted of a capital offense.
RULE 3.280 | ALTERNATE JURORS
(b) Responsibilities. At the conclusion of the guilt or innocence phase of the trial, each alternate juror will be excused with instructions to remain in the courtroom. The jury will then retire to consider its verdict, and each alternate will be excused with appropriate instructions that the alternate juror may have to return for an additional hearing should the defendant be convicted of a capital offense.
Committee Notes
1972 Amendment. Same as prior rule.
1977 Amendment. This rule clarifies any ambiguities as to what should be done with alternate jurors at the conclusion of a capital case and whether they should be available for the penalty phase of the trial. The change specifies that they will not be instructed as to any further participation until the other jurors who are deliberating on guilt or innocence are out of the courtroom, in order not to influence the deliberating jurors or in any way convey that the trial judge feels that a capital conviction is imminent.
You might need to reference it during your pursuit of justice.
For instance, you might need to invoke certain rules to protect yourself from judges/lawyers who break the law (see this example of a Florida judge who outright committed perjury).
As always, please get the justice you deserve.
Sincerely,
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