N.J. Model Criminal Jury Charge, N.J.S.A. Non 2C

Approved 1/14/13

JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS FOR SELECTING AND CHARGING ALTERNATES

AND APPOINTING FOREPERSON

We will now reduce the jury to twelve. The alternates will be selected at random.

____________________________.

You are not excused as juror(s). You will be kept in a separate location in case it

becomes necessary to substitute one or both of you for another juror or jurors. You

should not therefore discuss this case with anyone or between the two of you. If it

becomes necessary to substitute an alternate I will give you and the remaining

deliberating jurors further instructions of law at that time. If there is a question or a

verdict we will bring you back into court so that you may hear it.

(REMOVE ALTERNATES FROM JURY BOX)

APPOINTING FOREPERSON

(Juror # _____) you are the foreperson of the jury because of your position in the

jury box.1 You will preside over the deliberations and tell us the verdict when reached.

Your vote carries no greater weight than that of any other deliberating juror.

It is your responsibility to lead deliberations. It is also your responsibility to tell

us what the verdict is when the jury has reached it. When you come out with your

verdict, please resume the seats you now have. We will make certain everyone is here.

We will then ask the foreperson to stand to confirm that you have arrived at a verdict.

We will read each charge and will ask the foreperson what the verdict is as to

each. The foreperson will answer with the verdict on each charge. We then poll each of

the deliberating jurors to confirm his or her agreement with the verdict announced by the

foreperson.

2

As soon as the officers are sworn you will proceed to the jury room, but do not

begin your deliberations until the jury verdict form and/or exhibits have been delivered to

you.

1 See R. 1:8-4, designating juror number one as the foreperson, unless that juror is designated

an alternate or otherwise discharged.

2 In State v. Milton, 178 N.J. 421 (2004), the New Jersey Supreme Court addressed the polling

process after the jury r eturns a verdict. The court must establish that each juror assented in the

jury room, and still assents, to the verdict tendered to the court. Id. at 432-433.

JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS FOR SELECTING

AND CHARGING ALTERNATES

AND APPOINTING FOREPERSON

SWEAR IN SHERIFF'S OFFICERS

JURY RETIRES TO JURY ROOM

[OUT OF PRESENCE OF JURY]

Counsel please review all the evidence and the verdict sheet and make sure they

are in order. If they are in order please state so on the record.