A juror just told Judge Roland Steinle that her boss has threatened to cut off her health insurance if she remains on the trial past the end of the month. A blond woman in the back row, Juror No. 5 said that her employer, Lehigh Hanson Aggregates, wants the court to pay for her health care if she is to stay.

The problem, Steinle said, is that the court doesn’t have the cash to pay for anyone’s health care. He also said he consulted with attorneys and believes the company’s move is illegal. “Under the statute, you can’t be penalized for being on the jury,” Steinle said. He plans to send a letter to the company, then refer the woman to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

However, Steinle said, if the company plays hardball, the woman may have to be excused from the jury. “Particularly in these economic times,” Steinle said, he doesn’t want someone to go without health insurance.