JURORS BEHAVING BADLY

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.

Friday, October 17, 2014

Juror Who is Criminal Justice Student Arrested for Contempt for Googling Trial

AH, the youth of today. So inquisitive, so interested, so unwilling to follow rules at times. Here is link to the story. Juror-student age 23 defies judge's instructions and Googles the case, dsicovering its a retrial and shares that information with his fellow jurors. Of course, he makes it on the news! His fifteen minutes of fame. Also a bad mug shot.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/fl-goodman-juror-contempt-20141009-story.html

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Grand Jury in Ferguson MO Police Shooting Being Investigated for Misconduct

Many news sources are reporting that prosecutors are investigating whether a grand juror hearing the Ferguson MO police shooting has discussed the case with members of the public, a clear violation of the grand juror oath of secrecy. I am not providing a link. You should be able to find more information on CNN and other news sources.