§ Rule 1.927. Separation and deliberation of jury

Codes > Iowa Rules of Civil Practice and Procedure > Chapter 1 > Division IX : A. Trials > Rule 1.927.

Rule 1.927. Separation and deliberation of jury

1.927(1) A jury once sworn shall not separate unless so ordered by the court, who must then advise them that it is the duty of each juror not to converse with any other juror or person, nor be addressed on the subject of the trial; and that, during the trial it is the duty of each juror to avoid, as far as possible, forming any opinion thereon until the cause is finally submitted.

1.927(2) On final submission, the jury shall retire for deliberation, and be kept together in charge of an officer until the jurors agree on a verdict or are discharged by the court, unless the court permits the jurors to separate temporarily overnight, on weekends or holidays, or in emergencies. During their deliberations, the officer in charge must not allow any communication to be made to the jurors, nor may the officer make any, except to ask them if they have agreed on a verdict, unless by order of court; nor communicate to any person the state of their deliberations, or the verdict agreed upon before it is rendered.