Pa. R. Crim. P. 642 (2026)

Rule 642. Sequestration of Trial Jurors.

 (A)  The trial judge may, in the judge’s discretion, order sequestration of trial jurors in the interests of justice.

 (B)  When sequestration is ordered, each juror, including any alternate, shall be sequestered from the time of acceptance as a juror until discharged.

 (C)  Nothing is paragraph (B) shall prevent a trial judge from ordering sequestration, or vacating the order of sequestration, at any time during a trial when the interests of justice require.

   Under this rule sequestration is available in all cases, capital and non-capital, at the discretion of the trial judge. The prior rule required sequestration of each juror in a capital case from the time of acceptance as a juror until discharge of the jury.

   Official Note

   Prior Rule 1111 adopted January 24, 1968, effective August 1, 1968; rescinded April 26, 1973, effective 15 days hence. New Rule 1111 adopted April 26, 1973, effective 15 days hence; Comment revised January 28, 1983, effective July 1, 1983; renumbered Rule 642 and amended March 1, 2000, effective April 1, 2001.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

   Final Report explaining the March 1, 2000 reorganization and renumbering of the rules published with the Court’s Order at 30 Pa.B. 1477 (March 18, 2000).