If they have another trial, cellphones should be banned from the courtroom and jury rooms................
RE: ...ban cellphones...
I had a young student assistant at the university library who had his cell phone stolen in a mugging. The cop told him “...and don’t get any ideas about going out to find him yourself.”
But the student admitted “I feel nervous. I feel unsettled without my phone. I miss it.”
Imagine the jurors pacing around and sweating, their eyes wild from withdrawal.
Full disclosure: I’m a Luddite and have no cell phone. Use burner phones like criminals with prepaid minutes in case of car trouble.
My jury instructions specifically prohibit jurors from doing their own online research. The only thing they are to consider is what was presented in court. That’s basic jury trial procedure, in line with the defendant’s right to confront the witnesses against him/her and the right of cross-examination. Basic jury misconduct, which is grounds for a mistrial, sanctions and contempt.