On Technology Destroying the Court

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“When the conduct of men is designed to be influenced, persuasion, kind, unassuming persuasion, should ever be adopted.” Abraham Lincoln

 

There seems to be a problem with phones, and information in the courts. 

 

This article is astounding, more so I’m astounded by the silliness and stupidity of the courts.  Let’s go back to oh, 1980. I am on a Jury and I am told to go home at the end of the day… I do so. The court has to TRUST that I do not look up, speak with or discuss the case.  Now, let’s be serious, people probably did but it was to whom and impact: Your wife, your next door neighbor, they read up on the latest in the news paper…

 

When they came back to court the Court had to judge they didn’t violate the rules. However, if they were found to, they were dismissed or there would be a mistrial.  In short we accepted out of sight, and out of mind.

 

Fast forward to 2009.  It’s the same thing, people looking up info on their iPhone or twittering.  Only difference “instance and magnitude.” The solution is still the same… BAN cellphones in the court room. I mean seriously, how difficult is that. When do you so, you return right back to 1985, and you didn’t know if people broke the rules then, and you wouldn’t know now.

 

The twitter users are different. IF someone goes home and twitters such info, then, just as you did in 1985, you dismiss them or the trail. It’s no different. Infact, you can “ask” for such blogs and Twitters, and i’m sure defense attorney will monitor them, but better yet, attach a fine to blogging or twittering about a trial during a trail as a modified GAG order, which has existed for quite some time. 

 

The first time someone gets a $5000 for doing it, i bet no one else will do it.   No new laws needed, no new rules; just impose the ones you have and get back to the business of the courts.

 

The Point: Don’t make something a big deal with laws exist already to handle the problem…, laws and a little common sense.

 

Solution. Ended.

OceansOfThought @ March 18, 2009