[JURIST] Jury deliberations in the sentencing trial of Zacarias Moussaoui [JURIST news archive, case docket] were put on hold Thursday after a juror called in sick, but are expected to resume Friday at 8:30 AM ET. US District Judge Leonie Brinkema [official profile] considered postponing the deliberations until Monday [LA Times report], calling this "the most sensitive time in the case" and saying that jurors should not be working if they are not "feeling 100 percent."

The deliberations will continue into their fourth day Friday, with the jurors examining aggravating and mitigating factors [special verdict form, PDF], such as the defense's claim that Moussaoui is mentally ill, in determining whether he should be put to death. The jury determined that he was eligible for the death penalty [JURIST report] earlier this month. If the jury cannot reach a unanimous decision, Moussaoui will be sentenced to life in prison. USA Today has more.