Hi, I would be happy to share my experiences with the disclaimer that I was a bailiff in a different State in a felony Court of a major County in that State.
All trials in our Court have a permanent full time bailiff that is assigned to each Courtroom. The Judges pick their bailiffs and the bailiff is someone that works closely with the Judge and Attorneys and all personnel. We worked with Jury on ALL trials, civil and criminal. Only during capital murder trials were we sequestered during deliberations only.
In a Capital murder case the Judge would swear me in with another person to act as an "assistant bailiff" with the Jury. We would work hand in hand with the deputies to make sure that during lunches or smoke breaks or just walks outside to get fresh air, there was no interference from the public. When we stayed in a hotel overnight the deputies stayed with us and so we had security in the halls at all times. We never let anyone other than the Jurors on the elevators etc.
I was not in the room during deliberations. We had a light system. There was a green light and a red light. When the Jury was actively deliberating the red light was on. That way the press and attorneys and staff (myself included) knew they were busy. When they had a question they would turn on the green light with the red light and I would go into the Jury room to get the question that they had to have in writing and signed by the foreperson. (date and time also) I would take the question to the Judge and he would have me get the attorneys and court reporter together. The question was then answered by consensus of all parties and put on the record. The answer was put in writing and returned to the Jury. When they reached a verdict they turned off the red light and turned on the green light. I would confirm they had reached a verdict and let them know it would take some time to get everyone together and so they had time to put the exhibits back in order and take a restroom break. (The Jury rooms were equipped with 2 bathrooms and coffee etc.
Yes, I took care of any of their needs. Calls to family, more coffee, more chalk or pens for erasure board. Anything they needed.
If this Jury comes back with M1 and LWOP they will then be free to talk to media or family. If they come back with M1 and death, they must wait to talk until the Judge accepts that verdict. At least that is how it is in our county. If they go into the mitigation phase of the trial after an M1 verdict they still are not free to talk until the final punishment is determined and the Judge excuses them from service.
In all my years with many many different types of criminal trials I only had one Jury that I felt made the wrong decision. My Judge and the attorneys would not even talk to them afterward.
I hope this helps a bit. I know when I would open the door (always knocked first) to check on the Jury, I could sense their mood. Frustration or cohesive or divided. But NEVER were they allowed to talk to me about the status of their deliberations. It was all observation.
The fact that these Jurors are laughing and talking when heading out for the day and not asking any questions of the Court I feel shows they "get it" and just need time to work through everything.
After capital trials I had several Juries that had reunions. They get so close. I always tried to go when I could. They become family. They also had nick names for all the parties in the courtroom. The see EVERYTHING and I would bet they are heartbroken for Travis' family.
Like our KCL, I have faith!
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