A District of Columbia Motion to Sequester Jurors Prior to and During the Trial of a case is a legal request made by one of the parties involved in a trial to ensure that the jurors remain impartial by restricting their exposure to external influences during the proceedings. This motion aims to prevent jurors from being influenced by media coverage, conversations with others, or any other factors that could potentially sway their judgment. Sequestering jurors refers to the practice of isolating them from the public and media during the trial. This process involves keeping the jurors secluded in a designated location, such as a hotel, to limit their access to outside information that could impact their decision-making. By doing so, the court seeks to maintain the integrity of the trial and protect the rights of both the prosecution and the defense. In the District of Columbia, there are various types of motions related to juror sequestration that can be filed, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Some common types include: 1. Pre-trial Motion to Sequester Jurors: This motion is filed before the trial begins, aiming to sequester the jurors from the very start of the trial until its conclusion. It may be requested by either the prosecution or the defense, and it typically highlights the potential risks of bias or prejudice that could arise if the jurors are exposed to external influences during the trial. 2. In-Court Motion to Sequester Jurors: This motion is filed during the trial itself, usually in response to specific events or circumstances that may have compromised the jurors' impartiality. For example, if there is a sudden surge in media coverage or an incident that could potentially sway the jurors' opinions, the party requesting this motion would argue that sequestering the jurors is necessary to ensure a fair trial. 3. Partial Motion to Sequester Jurors: This type of motion seeks limited sequestration of certain jurors or at specific times during the trial. It is often utilized when there is a concern that certain jurors, due to their profession, connections, or exposure to external stimuli, might be more susceptible to bias or influence than others. 4. Motion to Modify or Lift Juror Sequestration: In some cases, one of the parties may request a modification or lifting of the juror sequestration requirements. This motion is typically based on changing circumstances during the trial, such as a decrease in media attention or a shift in the potential risks of prejudice. In summary, a District of Columbia Motion to Sequester Jurors Prior to and During the Trial of a case is an essential tool used to safeguard the impartiality and integrity of the jury. These motions can vary in their scope and timing, depending on the specific circumstances of the trial, and seek to preserve the fundamental principle of a fair trial.