Jurors 'Haunted' By Time in Courtroom
North Carolina is considering allowing jurors access to counseling services to cope with post-traumatic stress that can occur after exposure to graphic images and disturbing testimony during a trial.
In a report by WECT TV6 in Wilmington, one juror shares his experiences grappling with a capital case involving the murder of a Boiling Spring Lakes police officer. Jurors convicted Darrell Maness of the murder two years ago.
But the juror says the case remains with him. “It was a cold-blooded killing. When you shoot a man once maybe it was an accident, but when you shoot him three times,” the man whose identity was shielded says. “It was a difficult decision. Some cried, some had nightmares, some had breakdowns.”
WECT reports that North Carolina lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow certain jurors up to 10 hours of counseling services.
Video of the WECT interview is at this link on YouTube.
Hat tip, National Center for State Courts Jur-E Bulletin.
