Number of Jurors in Civil Trials

(a) Except as provided in subparagraph (b) below, juries in civil cases shall consist, initially, of eight members. Trials in such cases shall continue so long as at least six jurors remain in service. If the number of jurors falls below six, a mistrial shall be declared upon prompt application by any party then on the record, unless the parties stipulate that the verdict may be taken from the number of jurors then remaining. (b) Whenever it appears likely that the trial will be unusually protracted, or whenever the court in its discretion determines that the interests of justice so require, the jury may be enlarged to include as many as twelve (12) members, but not more than twelve (12) persons shall participate in the deliberations of the jury, nor may any verdict be rendered by a jury consisting of more than twelve (12) persons, or fewer than six (6) persons.