Ind. Allen Cnty. Civ. Local Rule LR02-AR00-27

A. Preliminary Instructions. In an effort to reduce the likelihood of a mistrial due to

a juror conducting independent research, the Court shall, in its discretion, use a

modified version of Indiana Model Civil Jury Instruction 101 upon administering its

preliminary jury instructions. A copy of the modified instruction can be found at

Appendix J.

B. Questioning by the Court. At the conclusion of reading the modified form of

Model Civil Jury Instruction 101, the Court may, in its discretion, inquire as to the

jurors’ use of, and their corresponding ability to refrain from, using the technologies

discussed in that instruction during the course of the trial. A sampling of questions

aimed at achieving this goal can be found at Appendix K. If the Court concludes

that a juror is not able to refrain from such use, the Court shall consider removing

that juror from service.

C. Message Concerning Jury Service. In its discretion, the Court may also inquire

as to whether the newly chosen jurors would like a message, furnished by the

Court, which would explain to members of the public that jurors are not to discuss

the facts of the case or any of the issues, facts, or concepts that are in any manner

related to the trial. This message can be found at AppendixL.

D. Statement of Compliance. At the closing of jury selection, the Court may, in its

discretion, provide each juror with a copy of the Statement of Compliance found at

Appendix M. The Court may require each juror to signal his or her acceptance of

the Statement of Compliance, thereby indicating his or her intent to refrain from

any prohibited activities.

E. Short Form Admonishment. When releasing jurors for a short break, the Court

shall read the Short Form Admonishment found at Appendix N.

F. Long Form Admonishment. When releasing jurors for a longer break, such as

for lunch or at the conclusion of each day of trial, the Court shall read the Long

Form Admonishment found at Appendix O.

G. Questioning the Jury Following a Recess. Upon resuming a trial, the Court may,

in its discretion, question jurors so as to determine if those jurors participated in

any activities that may result in the declaration of a mistrial. A listing of questions

suggested for this purpose can be found at Appendix P.

Adopted as Preventing Independent Juror Research, effective January 1, 2015.

Amended in 2018, renumbered as Local Civil Rule LR02-AR00-27, and effective

December 1, 2018.