Casey Anthony Juror Quits Work, Goes into Hiding

With the trial now in the past, it appears as though the public has refocused its wrath onto the Casey Anthony jurors, instead of Casey Anthony herself.

With the amount vitriol spewed in their direction, it's no wonder that they've been overwhelmingly quiet, refusing to talk to the media and wishing to remain anonymous.

And according NBC News, at least one of them has gone into hiding.

Though her name remains a secret, the husband of Juror #12 told the network that his wife has left Florida in fear that her co-workers and neighbors will shun and harass her as a result of the verdict.

She was so concerned for her safety, she also reportedly retired over the phone, though she only had a few months left.

As a result of the threats and scrutiny aimed at the jurors, Judge Perry has delayed the release of their names, opting for a longer "cooling off period." He is attempting to balance their safety with the public's interest.

Will he eventually have to identify the Casey Anthony jurors?

Some states, and at least one federal appellate court (3rd Circuit), have determined that the public and the media have a First Amendment right to know the names of jurors at the end of a trial. While names are ordinarily released, access to this information has never been, and will likely never be, absolute.

In order to balance the rights of jurors with the rights of the public, judges retain the discretion to deny access to juror information when there is an overriding interest, such as the privacy or safety of jurors.

Given the extreme tension and unwarranted hatred that is being tossed in the direction of the Casey Anthony jurors, it won't be surprising if Judge Perry decides not to release their names at all.

Related Resources:

• Casey Anthony juror, 60, quits work and flees town in fear of her life (Daily Mail)
• Cameras in Court (FindLaw)
• Courtoom Cameras Coming to Western Federal Courts (FindLaw's Law & Daily Life)