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Zimmerman Trial Watch Day 4: Judge Reveals that Jurors Will Be Sequestered

Judge Debra Nelson has ruled that jurors in the George Zimmerman trial will be sequestered for two to four weeks.

The six jurors and four alternates who will ultimately decide the fate of George Zimmerman will be sequestered according to Judge Debra Nelson. “Both parties have stipulated they anticipate the trial will last between two and four weeks,” Nelson said. “Based on that, I will be sequestering the jury.”

This decision will prevent the jurors from having access to any outside sources except for special circumstances. Limited visitation with family may be allowed according to defense attorney Don West.

During the fourth day of jury selection, potential jurors expressed fear for their safety, especially if their identities became public. One candidate known as “Juror K-80” is concerned that if Zimmerman is found not guilty “there would be repercussions.”

The high-profile nature of the Trayvon Martin case has also made it difficult for the attorneys to find jurors who have little knowledge of the facts. Jurors known as E-81 and N-18 admitted that they had already formed an opinion, but would be able to be fair.

At least 75 candidates have already been determined "unfit.” Both prosecutors and defense attorneys are actively seeking to find jurors who will remain unbiased.

Nearly 20 people have advanced to the next round of interviews but no one has officially been seated. The search for the six jurors and four alternates will continue Friday morning at the Seminole County courthouse.

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(Photo: AP Photo/Orlando Sentinel, Joe Burbank, Pool)

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