In our last two blog posts, we discussed a Reuters Legal analysis which revealed Internet access and social media sites are leading a growing number of jurors to engage in misconduct during criminal trials. North Carolina criminal defense attorneys are hopeful this problem can be addressed swiftly, as juror misconduct can deprive defendants of a fair and impartial trial. Today, we will look at how courts are responding to the Internet-related juror misconduct.
Jury Verdicts Being Tainted by Internet, Social Media? - Part 3
Jury Verdicts Being Tainted by Internet, Social Media? - Part Two
In our last blog post, we discussed the disturbing trend of jurors in criminal trials engaging in Internet-related misconduct. Some jurors are choosing to disobey the rules of the courtroom by performing independent research and blogging, tweeting and posting comments on the trial. This is especially troubling to North Carolina criminal defense attorneys, as these activities deprive criminal defendants of a fair trial by impartial juries. Today, we will continue to look at how juries' Internet misconduct can affect criminal trials.
Jury Verdicts Being Tainted by Internet, Social Media? - Part One
Has the explosion of social media and our culture's obsession with constant connection begun to negatively impact our juries in criminal trials? A Reuters Legal analysis released earlier this month says yes. As Facebooking, blogging and tweeting have become daily necessities for many, jurors are increasingly engaging in Internet-related misconduct. Many, including North Carolina criminal defense attorneys, are disturbed by this troubling report.
"Hard-Core" Drunk Drivers Targeted by NTSB
The National Transportation Board (NTSB) has announced its intention to focus on reducing the number of what they call hard-core drunk drivers, or drivers who have multiple arrests for driving under the influence or who drive with a blood-alcohol content of 0.15 percent or higher. Although the NTSB has created an 11-point program aimed at reducing hard-core drunk driving, no states have adopted the full program.
Man Pleads Guilty in Drunk Driving Death
A Monroe man pleaded guilty to charges of driving while impaired and second degree murder, stemming from a car accident that ended in the death of a Marshville man in October. The 29-year-old suspect, who has prior drunk driving convictions, entered his guilty plea on Monday.
New Law Makes Trespassing at Domestic Violence Shelters a Felony
Those who are subjects of domestic violence protection orders would be advised against trespassing at a domestic violence shelter if the person protected under the order is in the shelter. A new domestic violence law took effect earlier this month, providing that any such person who trespasses will be subject to felony charges.
DEA: No More 'Fake Pot'
"Fake pot" products have been experiencing a surge in popularity among young people. These products produce effects similar to those of marijuana and, up until now, were legal to purchase. Now the possession or sale of these products could result in drug charges.
Nightclub Drug Bust Results in Arrests of 15 People
Those looking to enjoy an evening out on the town were instead treated to an elaborate sting operation this weekend. Police arrested 15 people during a drug bust at a Thomasville nightclub last Friday night and into Saturday morning. The defendants are accused of 380 drug charges for their alleged participation in the sale and exchange of drugs. Thomasville police are also seeking two additional people with outstanding warrants who were allegedly involved in the operation.
Many Flaws in GPS Tracking of Sex Offenders - Part Three
In our last blog post, we looked at a case decided by the North Carolina Supreme Court that involved an appeal of a satellite-based monitoring program for sex offenders. A dissenting judge provided some valuable insight as to why monitoring sex offenders is counterintuitive. Today, we will discuss exactly how the monitoring is conducted and discuss why the program is inadequate to prevent sex offenses.
