Which practice best preserves juror confidentiality and protects against intimidation?

• A. Allow jurors unlimited contact with the public.
• B. Disclose juror identities when asked.
• C. Ignore confidentiality.
• D. Ensure juror access control, protect anonymity, prevent intimidation or contact with outside parties, and report any issues.

Answer: (D)

Safeguarding juror confidentiality and preventing intimidation hinge on controlling how jurors are contacted, protecting their identities, and having clear procedures to address any threats or pressure. The best approach emphasizes access control, maintaining anonymity, preventing contact with outside parties, and reporting issues. This directly reduces the risk of coercion or harassment and lets jurors deliberate without fear. By contrast, allowing unlimited public contact, disclosing identities, or ignoring confidentiality would expose jurors to influence, violate their privacy, and offer no real protection. Overall, a plan that combines controlled access, anonymity, threat prevention, and a reporting mechanism provides comprehensive protection for jurors.