Jones
Jones v. Superior Court
Opinion
Opinion
Huffman, J.
— In this case, we are asked to decide whether Code of Civil Procedure section 206, subdivision (f) requires the court to provide the defense with addresses and telephone numbers of jurors posttrial upon request. We hold the answer is no, not after jurors have exercised their “absolute right” to refuse to discuss the deliberations or verdict with counsel under subdivision (a).
Factual and Procedural Background
Bryan Maurice Jones (Jones) was charged with murder with special circumstances in the deaths of four women and attempted murder, rape, sodomy and various offenses as to two other women. In March 1994, the jury found him guilty of two counts of murder with special circumstances and two counts of attempted murder, but could not reach a verdict on the other counts. The court took the verdict on four counts, declared a mistrial on the remaining counts and had the jurors begin the penalty phase.
On April 12, the jury returned a verdict of death. Conditionally sealing juror addresses and telephone numbers, the judge explained “because of the seriousness of the case, I am making a finding that there is a governmental interest in protecting your identifying information.”…