Jurors, the internet & social media

Understanding the role of the internet & social media for jurors

Jury duty is an important responsibility, and jurors play a key role in ensuring a fair trial. As technology evolves, many jurors may be tempted to use the internet and social media to look up information about the case. It's essential to understand how this can affect the fairness of the trial.

Why it matters

During a trial, jurors are only allowed to consider the evidence presented in court. Any information found outside of the courtroom — on the internet, social media, or other sources — could be inaccurate, misleading, or biased. This can lead to unfair decisions and may even result in a mistrial.

Guidelines for jurors:

• Avoid researching the case: Resist the urge to look up case details online. Only use the information shared during the trial
• Do not share information on social media: Don't post about the case or discuss it with friends and family online
• Be honest during jury selection: If you are connected to anyone involved in the case on social media, let the court know

Using the internet or social media during a trial can lead to serious consequences, such as:

• A mistrial, causing a delay in justice
• Wasting the time and resources of everyone involved in the case
• Potentially influencing other jurors or your own decision-making process

How this video can help

This video can be shown to jurors either during orientation or as part of the judge's instructions. It highlights the risks of inappropriate internet and social media use during a trial. It helps ensure that jurors are fully aware of the rules and their role in upholding the integrity of the trial.

Watch the video