Judge instructs San Antonio jury on deliberation rules before weekend recess

In a recent session of the 187th District Court in Texas, Judge Stephanie Boyd addressed the jury regarding their deliberation process in the ongoing case of State vs. McIntyre. The meeting, held on April 11, 2025, focused on reinforcing the importance of adhering to strict guidelines during the jury's recess.

Judge Boyd emphasized that jurors must not discuss the case outside the jury room and should only deliberate when all members are present. She reiterated the necessity of avoiding any external influences, including media coverage or conversations with the public about the case. This instruction is particularly pertinent given that the court proceedings coincide with the Fiesta week in San Antonio, a time when jurors may encounter increased public interaction.

The judge also reminded jurors to keep their identification badges visible to prevent any potential misunderstandings while navigating the festive environment. She instructed them to report any attempts by outsiders to engage them in discussions about the case, ensuring the integrity of the deliberation process remains intact.

The session concluded with Judge Boyd confirming that all jurors are expected to return on Monday, maintaining the same number of jurors as present in previous sessions. This structured approach aims to uphold the fairness of the trial and protect the jurors from external pressures as they continue their important work.