Bill > S07695

This bill modifies existing law regarding alternate jurors in civil trials by clarifying the deliberation process when an alternate juror is substituted for a regular juror. Specifically, the bill provides that after an alternate juror replaces a regular juror, the entire jury must restart deliberations on all issues that were originally submitted at the beginning of deliberations, with an important exception: if the jury had already reached a verdict on certain specific issues prior to the substitution, those previously resolved issues will not need to be reconsidered. This change aims to ensure fairness and consistency in jury deliberations by requiring a comprehensive review of the case when the jury composition changes, while also preventing unnecessary repetition of deliberations on issues already conclusively decided. The bill will take effect immediately and apply to all ongoing legal actions and proceedings at the time of its enactment.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7695