Rule 23.1 - Retirement of Jurors(a) Retirement. After closing arguments, the court may direct the jury to select one of its members as a foreperson to preside over the deliberations and to write and return any verdict. The court also may admonish the jurors that, until they are discharged as jurors in the cause, they may communicate upon subjects connected with the trial only while the jury is convened in the jury room for the purpose of reaching a verdict. The jurors shall then retire in the custody of the bailiff(s) and consider their verdict.(b) Permitting the Jury to Disperse. Except in cases in which the jury has been sequestered, the court may permit the jurors to disperse after their deliberations have commenced, instructing them when to reassemble, and giving the admonitions of Rule 18.7.Comment
Rule 23.1 is consistent with former Rule 3.10 of the Uniform Rules of Circuit and County Court. Jury sequestration is governed by Rule 18.8.