Jurors in the Internet Age Face Increased Risks from Outside Information

Growing Challenges for Courts in the Internet Age

The surge in internet and cell phone usage has transformed the landscape of jury trials. Courts are struggling to prevent jurors from conducting outside research that could compromise trial integrity.

Mitigating Juror Research Risks

• Randomized questioning techniques aim to identify juror awareness of prohibitions.
• Strict admonishments on outside communication are enforced to minimize risks.
• Some courts are exploring technological solutions to block internet access during trials.

While these efforts are commendable, they also raise questions about their effectiveness in the face of pervasive digital access.