A Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer was denied a new trial for his client convicted of embezzlement after jurors were found to be discussing the case on facebook. During the trial, three jurors were found to be posting comments about the trial on their facebook page. In response, judges have cautioned jurors about going on social networking sites, doing a google search on the parties involved in the case and even going on the internet at all during the trial.
The problem with social networking sites impacting juror trials is not limited to Massachusetts. In Florida criminal case, nine jurors admitted to doing online research about the case. In Britain, a juror asked a friend on facebook to help decide a case. Problems with online social networking sites and there impact on juries in criminal cases will continue to be a challenge for Massachusetts criminal defense attorneys.
