As with the 2012 instructions, jurors will continue to be cautioned not to communicate with anyone about the case until it has concluded, either in conversation or in the form of emails or blog or social media posts.
Can the jury talk to the media?
Not all jurors will want to talk with you. While judges cannot prohibit the media from talking with jurors after the trial without a compelling reason, many judges advise jurors not to talk about the deliberations process and to keep jury room discussions confidential.
Are jurors monitored?
Predicting Juror Behavior
Additionally, jurors may be monitored during trial and/or post-verdict to see if they are posting about aspects of the case and/or communicating amongst one another during trial.
It blurs the boundary between professional court journalists and citizen observers and makes it increasingly impossible to shield jurors from either one. And when jurors use social media, they can easily influence whether a verdict will stick.
Can jurors use the Internet?
During trials jurors are increasingly using cell phones and other devices capable of accessing the Internet. Courts are responding by amending court rules to explicitly ban these devices.
What does jurors mean in English?
1 : a body of persons sworn to give a verdict on some matter submitted to them especially : a body of persons legally selected and sworn to inquire into any matter of fact and to give their verdict according to the evidence. 2 : a committee for judging and awarding prizes at a contest or exhibition.
What are 2 things a juror should never do?
X Don’t lose your temper, try to bully or refuse to listen to the opinions of other jurors. X Don’t draw straws, flip coins or otherwise arrive at your verdict by chance, or the decision will be illegal.
Can jurors talk to each other?
During jury deliberations, you are allowed to discuss the case with each other for the first time, but you must do so only when all jurors are present in the deliberation room. You and the other jurors must review the evidence and make decisions as a group. … Every jury must select a presiding juror.
Are jurors allowed to have cell phones?
During the trial you may not be permitted to take your phones and other electronic devices into the deliberation room. Your items will be stored securely for you during the trial. If you have an emergency and need access to your phone, please speak to your court officer.
Can lawyers Research jurors?
Such research cannot include communicating with prospective jurors. California Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 5-320. … Attorneys can do such research during trial to help craft more effective closing arguments and perhaps better cross examination. Counsel should closely supervise any staff that do such research.
Do Lawyers Google jurors?
Not only is that practice deceptive, but attorneys and their agents are not allowed to communicate with jurors during jury selection or trial, and “friending” someone on Facebook, “connecting” with someone on LinkedIn or “following” someone on Twitter can be viewed as improper communication.
Do lawyers want smart jurors?
Attorneys can ask a juror be excused for cause in the first rounds of jury selection. … Wiley says she’s often asked if she prefers smart people or stupid people on her jury, or if she wants jurors with a particular occupation or age.
Social Media Information Is Admissible.
All the information on your social media accounts is typically admissible at trial, meaning it can be used as evidence in a court of law.
What is considered jury misconduct?
It is important to remember that actual misfeasance by a juror may not be required for a claim of “misconduct.” Jury misconduct has been found as the result of juror disobedience to instructions, inappropriate communications with court personnel, third parties and/or alternate jurors, contact with extraneous reading …
A judge may search Facebook and other sites to check on what lawyers and parties are up to, and some judges have been known to require juveniles or probationers to friend the judge or another official on Facebook so the judge can monitor their activities.