Officer Webb has been subpoenaed to appear in superior court for a felony case he worked 5 years ago. When he shows up to court, he recognizes his friend Cody in the jury box. What should officer Webb do?

• A. Do nothing
• B. Notify the court
• C. Tell the prosecutor that he knows one of the jurors
• D. Ask to be excused

Answer: (C)

When someone connected to a case recognizes a juror, the key idea is preserving impartiality by promptly disclosing the potential conflict so the proper steps can be taken. The best move is to tell the prosecutor that he knows one of the jurors. This puts the issue into the hands of the side that handles jury selection and challenges, allowing the court to address it through voir dire, a challenge for cause, or a substitution if needed. It keeps the process fair and avoids any appearance of concealing a bias.

Doing nothing risks tainting the proceedings if the juror’s impartiality is compromised. Simply notifying the court without involving the party who can request remedies may delay or complicate relief. Asking to be excused is not the appropriate remedy for a potential juror bias; the remedy lies in appropriate challenges—handled through the prosecutor and the court.