A blog about the very small percentage of jurors who fail to follow the judge's instructions, including doing independent Internet research, using social media (such as Facebook) to contact parties and lawyers, and blogging about the trial. Juror misconduct frequently results in mistrials and a waste of resources. Links will be provided to sample jury summonses, jury instructions, and other resources to improve juror education and minimize juror misconduct, thereby promoting fairness of trials.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
PA Supreme Court Considering New Rules for Use of Electronic Devices in Courtroom; Prohibit Tweeting From Courtroom
The amended rules prohibit "tweeting" by members of the press or others in the courtroom (at page 25):
http://www.pacourts.us/NR/rdonlyres/25029F7C-956E-4EA5-9FB1-36CFADE128C6/0/rules626627etalcrim.pdf
http://www.pacourts.us/NR/rdonlyres/25029F7C-956E-4EA5-9FB1-36CFADE128C6/0/rules626627etalcrim.pdf
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Jury Consultant on The District Court Show
Susan Macpherson discussed jury behavior on The District Court Show.
See link at right.
See link at right.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Vermont Supreme Court Orders New Trial Due to Juror Researching Somali Culture on Internet
Once again a state supreme court has granted a new trial where a juror had conducted research on the facts of the case, here Somali culture, and shared it with fellow jurors, and the Defendant was convicted:
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20120127/NEWS02/120127025/Supreme-Court-orders-new-trial-man-convicted-sexual-assault-child?odyssey=nav|head
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20120127/NEWS02/120127025/Supreme-Court-orders-new-trial-man-convicted-sexual-assault-child?odyssey=nav|head