Ethics, Juror Misconduct, and Jury Tampering: The Murdaugh Motion For New Trial

Prominent South Carolina attorney Richard Murdaugh was convicted of Murder and he filed a motion for new trial alleging that the clerk of courts tampered with the jury by advising them not to believe Murdaugh’s testimony and pressuring them to reach a quick guilty verdict.  After an evidentiary hearing where a juror indicated they were influenced by the clerk to return a guilty verdict, the judge overruled the motion finding that there was insufficient evidence to overturn the jury’s verdict. 

In this presentation, we will examine the Murdaugh case, watch film clips of testimony regarding jury tampering, discuss case law regarding jury misconduct, and the standard of proof to obtain a new trial. 
Finally, we review ethical rules regarding interaction with the jury and disciplinary cases interpreting these rules.  

Whether you practice civil or criminal law, attendees will benefit from this presentation by learning about juror misconduct, jury tampering, ethics, and a litigant’s right to a fair trial with an impartial jury. The presenter, Philip Bogdanoff, is a nationally recognized presenter who has over 40 years of experience as a prosecutor and has litigated cases involving allegations of juror misconduct.‬