The article below discusses the potential distractions that face the jurors deciding the UVA Lacrosse murder case in which George Huguely is accused of killing Yeardley Love. Of particular concern is the possibility that jurors, prior to issuing a verdict, will discuss or learn information about the case via social media. This is one reason why defense counsel had requested jury sequestration at the outset of the trial. This request, however, was denied.
If the Huguely jurors for some reason ignore the court's instructions about using social media, the article offers the trial judge some practical advice from Judge Dennis Sweeney (ret.), don't "overreact." As some may recall, Judge Sweeney had his own run in with jurors who like to interact via Facebook (corruption trial of former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon). Besides his experience with the Dixon trial, Judge Sweeney has also lectured and written on the topic of jurors using social media.
Baltimore Sun: In Limbo, Huguely Jury Must Avoid Distractions
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