§ 579.View By Jury

Chapter 11: Trial · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified August 3, 2026

In one sentenceSection 579 lets the court send the jury, as a group under an officer's charge, to view property or a location material to the case, with only a court-appointed guide permitted to speak to jurors about the case while they're away from the courtroom.

Full Text of § 579

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Whenever, in the opinion of the court, it is proper for the jury to have a view of the property which is the subject of litigation, or of the place in which any material fact occurred, it may order, them to be conducted, in a body, under the charge of an officer, to the place, which shall be shown to them by some person appointed by the court for that purpose. While the jury are thus absent, no person, other than the person so appointed, shall speak to them on any subject connected with the trial.

End

Amendment History

R.L. 1910, § 5004.

Plain-English Summary

When the court thinks it proper for the jury to see the property at issue in the litigation, or the place where a material fact occurred, it may order the jury conducted there as a group, under an officer's charge, with a person the court appoints showing them the place. While the jury is away on this view, no one but that appointed person may speak to them about anything connected with the trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an Oklahoma jury visit the property involved in a lawsuit?

Yes, if the court considers it proper for the jury to view the property or the place where a material fact occurred.

Who decides whether the jury gets to view a location or property?

The court, based on its own opinion of whether the view is proper.

Who is allowed to speak to jurors during a jury view?

Only the person the court appoints to show them the place; no one else may speak to them about anything connected with the trial.

Does someone accompany the jury during the view?

Yes. The jury is conducted there in a body, under the charge of an officer.

Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes, enacted by the Oklahoma Legislature. Last verified August 3, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: jury view of property oklahomajury site visit civil trial12 O.S. § 579