Jurors admonished about use of smart phones
JURORS in waiting at the Berbice Assizes have been warned that it is not permissible to send text messages during trials.
That admonition was in addition to them being previously told, by Justice Roxanne George, to avoid any reports about trial proceedings, conducting research about cases and discussing them with anyone, in this new era of the smart phones.
The judge said that, as a matter of policy, a decision has been made with her peers, to allow jurors to lodge their phones with the Registrar when they would have retired to deliberate on a verdict.
Justice George warned: “If any juror is found texting, there are measures in place to deal with the offender.”
The judge issued the reprimand on the heels of a murder trial overseas, in which a juror reportedly texted ‘not guilty’ to contacts, although the trial had not yet concluded.
As a result of the move, the trial was aborted, Justice George said.
The judge also reminded the jurors of their civil duties, which include punctuality and communication in the event of being unable to attend sessions on time.
Justice George said: “In respect to the context of fairness, do not sit if you know the accused or the victim. Seek further advice if you fail to reach a verdict. Listen carefully, assess the evidence and the witnesses to determine whether they are speaking the truth or not.”
Referring to those who were exempted from service, the judge said that was because their names had re-appeared on the list although the two-year period for exemption had not expired.