§12-16-10. Provision of lodging and meals for jurors, etc., when jury kept together without separation overnight, etc.; presumption as to separation of jurors on basis of sex.
Latest version.
Whenever a jury is, by order of the court, kept together without separation during any night or for any unusual length of time, it is the duty of the sheriff, with the approval of the court, at the expense of the state, to provide for the jurors and the bailiffs or deputy sheriffs in charge of or attending said jury suitable lodging and meals. If a jury composed of both men and women is kept together overnight, separate lodging shall be provided for jurors of each sex.
A separation solely by reason of sex, while in the custody of bailiffs or deputy sheriffs, shall not create a presumption of prejudice to an accused, but on the contrary it shall be prima facie presumed that the accused was not prejudiced by reason of the separation of the jury by sexes.
