[tlb]

I'm guessing the judge was looking for an excuse to kick this case. I know of no rules against a lunchtime beer though obviously juror intoxication would be a basis to appeal a conviction.

Worse come to worst the judge could simply have recessed the trial for the afternoon and resumed with a fully sober jury the next day. That he didn't makes me wonder what the unsaid part of the story is.

Beyond that I suppose it's lucky the judge didn;t jail the juror for contempt. I suppose a mug shot would then be appropriate.

[1rudeboy]

I agree. I think this judge was simply looking for an excuse.

[kjam22]

I know of no rules against a lunchtime beer though obviously juror intoxication would be a basis to appeal a conviction.

I just did federal jury duty, western District, Oklahoma. The info the mailed me before I went specifically said no alcohol. Period.