Bill > A08695

This bill modifies the civil practice law and rules regarding alternate jurors, specifically addressing jury deliberations when an alternate juror is substituted. Currently, alternate jurors can replace a regular juror who becomes unable to perform their duties during a trial. The bill now requires that when an alternate juror is substituted, the entire jury must restart deliberations on all issues that were originally submitted at the beginning of deliberations, with an important exception: any issues for which a verdict has already been rendered will not be reconsidered. This means that if the jury had previously reached a decision on some matters before the substitution, those specific issues will remain settled, and the jury will only deliberate anew on the unresolved issues. The bill takes effect immediately and applies to all ongoing legal actions and proceedings, providing a clear protocol for maintaining jury integrity and fairness when juror replacement becomes necessary during trial.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8695