The names of the jurors from the Karen Learn homicide trial that resulted in a mistrial will stay secret, Choose Beverly Cannone dominated on Monday.
This impoundment order for the Canton case got here on the identical day that Learn’s protection attorneys claimed {that a} juror approached them to disclose how the jury was voting behind closed doorways.
However the public gained’t know the names of the 12 Norfolk County residents who sat on the much-talked-about jury — not less than for now. Cannone, the Superior Courtroom choose, issued the “Order of Impoundment” on Monday.
“This case has garnered significant and divisive attention in Massachusetts and across the nation,” Cannone wrote within the order. “The trial was livestreamed on local and national broadcasting channels.
“The proceedings continue to be the daily subject of commentary on various social media platforms,” the choose added. “People associated with the case have been charged with intimidation.”
Cannone acknowledged that the names of empanelled jurors who render a verdict in a prison case should be made accessible to the general public.
“The jury in this case did not render a verdict, however, the Court concludes that there is a real and present ‘risk of [personal] harm to the jurors [and] to the integrity of their service,’ ” Cannone wrote. “Consequently, the Court finds that good cause exists to impound the list identifying the names of empanelled jurors in the trial of this case.
“The Court further concludes that there is a risk of immediate and irreparable injury should the list be made available to the public at this time,” the choose added.
The order will expire in 10 days, until in any other case ordered by the courtroom.
