We live in a technological age. The emergence of computers, tablets, smart phones and the Internet makes it easy to obtain data. This circumstance has its advantages. It keeps us abreast with minute by minute updates in times of disaster and allows us to check stock prices and make immediate decisions on buying and selling. It even helps us locate childhood friends and classmates. Yes, having information available with the click of a mouse has many benefits. However, what happens when the accessibility of information interferes with securing an impartial jury?
Jurors are instructed to refrain from discussing a pending case with anyone, even other jurors, until it is time to deliberate. They are cautioned to avoid reading news articles and watching television programs that discuss the case they are deciding. Our high-tech world mandates that they also be warned against Internet use so that they are not influenced by material found there as well. This paper explores the impact of the Internet on the safeguarding of the right to an unbiased jury. It investigates the use of social media by jurors as well as its use as a tool for investigating jurors.
About the presenterReginia Judge
Reginia Judge, Esq. is an assistant professor in the Department of Justice Studies of Montclair State University. In addition to teaching hands-on courses entitled, “Computer Applications in the Legal Environment” and “Law Office Management and Technology,” she lectures in the areas of Consumer Law and Civil Litigation. Professor Judge teaches several online courses which include “Cybercrime,” “Technology and the Criminal Justice System” and “Police Civil Liability.” Her current research is in the area of media and the criminal justice system.