Skip navigation
sponsored by 

Jurors' Twitter posts worry trial lawyers

Dozens of jurors send Twitter messages from courthouses across country

  Tech Holiday Gift Guide  
  More
Holiday Retail
Online holiday shopping is trickier this year
For online holiday shopping this season, consider expanding your repertoire of retailers and bring your most comfy slippers. It’s going to be a more challenging effort this year than last .

Tech and gadgets videos
TODAY
30 years later, Google search helps reunite pair
Nov. 7: Dr. Scott Becker never gave up hope of finding his daughter, and after decades of searching, he found her using a very modern tool. NBC’s Ron Mott reports, then NBC’s Amy Robach sits down with the pair.

Video
Tech Watch
The latest in technology and entertainment news.
  Auto Tech

A better economy may lure buyers, but these trends could seal the deal.

Go to Auto Tech

updated 2:48 p.m. ET March 17, 2009

PHILADELPHIA - Dozens of jurors each day are sending Twitter messages from courthouses across the country about their service.

Experts said Tuesday that most messages posted to the social networking site are innocuous, perhaps expressing boredom.

But at least a few jurors have gone online to discuss cases they are helping decide.

Story continues below ↓
advertisement | your ad here

In Philadelphia this week, a juror in a high-profile public corruption case told Facebook friends to "Stay tuned for a big announcement on Monday" — forecasting that a verdict was near.

The juror, Eric Wuest (WEEST'), compares the sites to journals where he posts his private thoughts.

But some lawyers think jury instructions should be updated to clarify that online communications about a case are also prohibited.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Resource guide