A juror in a child abduction and sex assault case in Burnley, Lancashire, England, was dismissed after it was discovered that she posted sensitive details about the case on Facebook. The juror reported that she was torn about her decision on the case, so enlisted friends' help via a Facebook poll.The Sun: Juror axed for verdict poll on net (November 24, 2008)
Quotes
"I don't know which way to go, so I'm holding a poll."—The offending juror, in a Facebook post
"She obviously has no grasp of how the judicial process works in this country. She had been asking her mates what they thought -- and some people came back with guilty verdicts. Not discussing trials is one of the most important things jurors are told and is essential for a fair trial."—A British legal expertThe Sun: Juror axed for verdict poll on net (November 24, 2008)
References
Fast Facts
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The female juror who held the Facebook poll was not named
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After the offending juror was dismissed, the trial continued with 11 jurorsGuardian: Juror shares trial details on Facebook (November 24, 2008)
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No legal action against the juror has been announced, but she could face a fine or prison sentence if convicted of common law contemptThe Herald: Juror asks Facebook friends to judge trial (November 25, 2008)
