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Steven Avery & Brendan Dassey— Case Archive
Steven AverytranscripttranscriptPost-Verdict Instructions and Jury Discharge - Day 27 - Steven AveryJudge Willis thanked the jurors, explained that discussing the case was optional, and excused the jury.
Patrick L. WillisTHE COURTjury_instructions
Steven Avery/Day 27/March 18, 2007
3 pages·0 witnesses·45 lines
The jury found Avery guilty of first-degree intentional homicide and firearm possession, and not guilty of mutilating a corpse. The court entered judgments on the verdicts, subject to further rulings on post-trial motions.
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Jury Instruction

2.Post-Verdict Instructions and Jury Discharge

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Jury InstructionJury Instr.Post-verdict instructions and jury discharge
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THE COURT: Members of the jury, on behalf of Manitowoc County, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude and appreciation for your service in this case. I recognize the personal sacrifice in terms of time and restrictions on your normal activities that the Court has required of you during this trial. That sacrifice is a necessary part of the price we pay for the judicial system every citizen enjoys. I hope that you found the experience a rewarding one.

Before discharging you, I have one final instruction. Now that your service in this case is completed, some of you may have questions about the confidentiality of the proceedings. Many jurors ask if they are at liberty to discuss the case with anyone after receipt of the verdicts.

Because your role in this case is over, you are free to discuss it with any person you choose, if you wish. However, you should know that you do not have to discuss the case with anyone or answer any questions about it from anyone other than the Court.

If you do decide to discuss the case with anyone, I would suggest that you treat any discussion with a degree of solemnity such that whatever you do say, you would be willing to say in the presence of your fellow jurors, or under oath, here in open court, in the presence of the parties.

Also, keep in mind, if you do decide to discuss the case, that your fellow jurors freely and fully stated their opinions with the understanding that they were being expressed in confidence. Please respect the privacy of the views of your fellow jurors.

If any members of the jury wish to discuss the case today with representatives of the media, arrangements have been made to permit you to do so before you leave. Should anyone, whether from the media or otherwise, persist in attempting to question you, over your objection, you should contact the Court.

Finally, should any of you have any questions for the Court before leaving today, please, let the bailiff know before you leave the jury room. At this time you are excused.

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(Jurors excused.)

Continue to next page3.Judgments on Verdicts and Post-Trial Orders
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