By Christopher Keleher
Courts are increasingly using anonymous juries. While the juror information kept secret differs by jurisdiction, name, address, telephone number, and place of employment are typically not disclosed. From whom the information is withheld also varies. Juror data can be permanently secreted from everyone, given only to counsel, or given only to the parties. These variations highlight the competing interests underlying anonymous juries. Anonymity implicates the First Amendment freedom of the press, the Sixth Amendment right to a fair trial, and juror safety.