NY A07495

Amends Criminal Procedure Law Section 270.15 to allow courts to issue protective orders withholding the names and residential or business addresses of prospective or sworn jurors from disclosure, except to counsel for either party.

Establishes three factors courts may consider when determining whether good cause exists to issue a protective order: prior jury tampering or bribery by the defendant, seriousness of charges including involvement in large-scale criminal enterprises, and extent of pretrial publicity.

Requires courts to instruct juries that selection on an anonymous basis cannot be used as a basis for drawing any unfavorable inference against the defendant.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.