Last week we had an interesting and informative discussion of Andy He's post on live tweeting and blogging in judicial proceedings.  A poll of the class members present (14) revealed both agreement and disagreement on the issue.  Everyone believed jurors should be banned from tweeting or blogging during trial and deliberations.  (This view comports with the boilerplate instruction that is now being given in almost every federal and state court in the country). And, no one supported a rule that banned everyone from tweeting except for the media and lawyers.  However, the class was evenly split on whether media representatives should be allowed to tweet from the courtroom and a slight majority (8 persons) opposed an absolute ban on even allowing electronic devices to be brought into courtrooms.  There was considerable support for allowing judges flexibility in determing use of electronic devces depending on the circumstances.  As we discussed, the issue of whether electronic devices and tweeting will be allowed in Utah state courts will soon be resolved as there is a pending proposed rule on the subject.

A list of everyone's Twitter handle is now posted on the course Canvas page.

Everyone have a fun and safe labor Day holiday!

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Welcome

Welcome to Honors Social Media & the Courts. This is the class blog, where all students are required to post on a course related topic and make comments to other student's posts. As noted in the syllabus, posts should be 300-500 words in length. Use of images or links to other web sites or materials are encouraged, where appropriate to the topic. Students will select a blog topic on the first day of class.  There is no minimum or maximum number of words for comments, which may range from a sentence or two to several paragraphs. Students must use their real names, although an online screen name may be used if disclosed to the professor and class. Criticism, opinions and views may be pointed, but should be constructive and respectful. Ad hominem attacks are not permitted. This blog is an essential part of the learning pedagogy, but students should have fun in posting and commenting.