CHAPTER 3. Conduct of the Jury After the Cause Is Submitted to Them [1137. - 1142.]

Cal. Penal Code - PEN 3.

in effect

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 1137. Section 1137.

Upon retiring for deliberation, the jury may take with them all papers (except depositions) which have been received as evidence in the cause, or copies of such public records or private documents given in evidence as ought not, in the opinion of the court, to be taken from the person having them in possession. They may also take with them the written instructions given, and notes of the testimony or other proceedings on the trial, taken by themselves or any of them, but none taken by any other person. The court shall provide for the custody and safekeeping of such items.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 1138. Section 1138.

After the jury have retired for deliberation, if there be any disagreement between them as to the testimony, or if they desire to be informed on any point of law arising in the case, they must require the officer to conduct them into court. Upon being brought into court, the information required must be given in the presence of, or after notice to, the prosecuting attorney, and the defendant or his counsel, or after they have been called.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 1138.5. Section 1138.5.

Except for good cause shown, the judge in his of her discretion need not be present in the court while testimony previously received in evidence is read to the jury.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 1140. Section 1140.

Except as provided by law, the jury cannot be discharged after the cause is submitted to them until they have agreed upon their verdict and rendered it in open court, unless by consent of both parties, entered upon the minutes, or unless, at the expiration of such time as the court may deem proper, it satisfactorily appears that there is no reasonable probability that the jury can agree.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 1141. Section 1141.

In all cases where a jury is discharged or prevented from giving a verdict by reason of an accident or other cause, except where the defendant is discharged during the progress of the trial, or after the cause is submitted to them, the cause may be again tried.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 1142. Section 1142.

While the jury are absent the Court may adjourn from time to time, as to other business, but it must nevertheless be open for every purpose connected with the cause submitted to the jury until a verdict is rendered or the jury discharged.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026