Rule 6.170.Juror Handling of Controlled, Hazardous, or Infectious Substances, and Chemicals
Current through August 1, 2026 · Last verified September 12, 2026
Full Text of Rule 6.170
Plain-English Summary
This rule looks after the people in the jury room. Exhibits that go back with a jury can include controlled, hazardous, or infectious substances and chemicals, and the rule requires jurors to be advised if any of them present a danger.
Two obligations follow the warning. Jurors must be provided instructions on safe handling, and where necessary those instructions come with protective devices. Telling the jury an item is dangerous without telling them what to do about it does not satisfy the rule.
The rule is written in the passive and does not name who does the advising. Rather than assume the court or the clerk will handle it, raise the point before the exhibit goes back, especially when your own exhibit is the one carrying the risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do jurors get warned about dangerous exhibits?
Yes, when the exhibit presents a danger. The rule requires jurors to be advised if any controlled, hazardous, or infectious substance or chemical to be handled in the jury room presents a danger.
What kinds of substances does this cover?
Controlled substances, hazardous substances, infectious substances, and chemicals. The common thread is that jurors will handle the item in the jury room and it may hurt them.
Do jurors get gloves or other protective gear?
Where necessary. The rule requires instructions on safe handling and says those instructions include providing protective devices if necessary, so the gear follows from the nature of the exhibit.
Who gives the warning?
The rule does not say. It states the requirement without assigning it, so the practical answer is to raise it with the court before the exhibit reaches the jury room.
Does every exhibit of this kind trigger a warning?
Only those that present a danger. The rule ties the duty to danger rather than to the category alone, so an inert or fully sealed item may not need one, and the court decides.