What is the purpose of sequestering a jury?

The purpose of sequestering a jury is to separate the jury from outside influences. This practice is crucial in ensuring that jurors can make their decisions solely based on the evidence presented in the courtroom and the arguments made by the attorneys. By isolating jurors from media coverage, public opinion, and other factors that could sway their judgment or introduce bias, sequestering helps maintain the integrity of the trial process. This step is particularly significant in high-profile cases where outside information might compromise the jurors' impartiality or threaten the fairness of the trial.

In contrast, other options do not accurately capture the function of sequestering. While expediting the trial process or enabling free communication may seem beneficial, those factors are not the primary reasons for this juror practice. The main goal remains focused on preserving the jurors' ability to render a fair and unbiased verdict based solely on the trial proceedings.