This was a discussion on npr radio a few months ago regarding the use cell phones in the courtrooms. Online social networking is today's cultural phenomenon and seems that the even the courts can't get away from it. There were several issues discussed but one that I though was the most relevant was with jurors having access to the internet and social networking sites like Tweeter and Facebook. An example disscused on the show was of a juror who Googled the dependent's name and found out some additional info that was never presented in the courtroom. It's easy to see how that sway a juror. Another example is jurors or even attorneys posting comments on Tweeter or Facebook during the trial. Though it would seem fairly innocent to tweet about how "stupid" the trails is or maybe texting your friends that you think the person is guilty. Whatever it may be it's not difficult to see the problem compromising the integrity and fairness of the case.
Most courtrooms ban cell phones but a judge in Nebraska says we need to better educate jurors on the legal process and rights of the persons involved in the trial. The judge goes on to discusses the notion that our generation of citizens have strong need to be connected and it's difficult to get younger people to do their civic duty because it would involve them being disconnected. "if they aren't allowed to have access to personal media, they're going to lose - they're going to lose so much in terms of their convenience, their ability to operate all day long, their ability to - to have a life outside of that courtroom, because being a juror is a temporary thing."
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