Mistrial spurs changes in the keeping of juror lists

URBANA – Citing the need to protect citizens chosen for jury duty, Champaign County's presiding judge has proclaimed that the names of people called to serve may be made available only to lawyers involved in cases or defendants who choose to represent themselves.

Judge Tom Difanis signed an administrative order to that effect Thursday, three days after the issue of who has access to such information became the indirect cause of a mistrial.

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