Expert: Philip Sweeting - 3/15/2005

Question
My husband got called for Jury Duty , he couldnt believe that the Murder suspect was allowed to SIT in, hear his full name being read, and allowed to hear the entire interview with the Defense Lawyer, judge, police officers present.  Is this the way it is done?  My Husband is FOR The Death penalty, would believe a police officer over a suspect and would have a hard time listening to the Judge IF he felt the suspect was Guilty.  He so much as said all this when he was interviewed in front of this suspect.  Luckily the Defense Lawyer threw him out.  We are happy about this. But this set up seems CRIMINAL TO ME.  Doesn't the Privacy of these Jurors mean anything!?  My Husband said if he was picked for this jury, he would have went straight to the Sheriff's office & got a permit to carry his gun.  If I am ever picked for Jury DUTY, do I have the RIGHT to NOT have this Suspect in the room when I am interviewed & my name is read aloud?  Thank you.  

Answer
A lot of people might agree with you but under our system the defendant has the right to be there for any part of his trial. It can be imbarrassing for the juror especially when they ask you certain qoestions such as if you or any of your family has been arrested, etc. It is one thing for the suspect and judge to know about your past but when they are done asking questions, the whole world knows your answers.

I don't claim to be an expert on the jury process but you would think there would be a better way to protect your privacy but I guess no one has ever challenged it.