Most people understand that social media can impact the investigation phase of a lawsuit, but its influence does not stop there. Social media can also play a role during jury trials. Jurors are told not to conduct outside research, yet in today’s digital world, information is only a few clicks away. A single online search or a glimpse at a public post could shape the way jurors view a case.
Below, our friends from Hayhurst Law PLLC discuss the role of social media in jury trials and what jurors might see.
Jurors And Outside Information
Jurors are expected to base their verdict only on the evidence presented in the courtroom. However, human nature and curiosity sometimes lead them to look elsewhere. Studies have shown that some jurors check social media accounts of the parties involved, read online discussions about the case, or search for background information that was never presented in court. Even if these actions are unintentional, they can introduce bias and compromise fairness.
Risks For Plaintiffs
For someone pursuing a personal injury claim, this creates a risk. If jurors stumble across public posts about you, the defense may benefit. A simple photo on Instagram of you smiling at a family gathering could make it seem like your injuries are less serious. A friend’s post saying “Glad you are feeling better” could suggest that you are recovering more quickly than you claim. Jurors may not understand the full context and may form opinions based on incomplete or misleading information.
How Lawyers Respond
Attorneys and judges take these risks seriously. Before a trial begins, jurors are instructed not to research or discuss the case outside of court. If a juror admits to seeing outside content, they may be dismissed. In some cases, a workplace injury lawyer will file motions to limit prejudicial online material or ask the judge to question jurors about possible exposure. While these safeguards exist, the best protection is to minimize what jurors could find in the first place.
Steps You Can Take
You cannot control juror behavior, but you can control your own digital presence. Here are some steps to reduce the risk of jurors finding harmful content:
- Review your social media accounts before trial with your attorney.
- Set your profiles to private and avoid accepting new friend requests.
- Do not post about your accident, your health, or your case.
- Ask friends and family not to tag you in photos or updates.
By keeping your digital footprint minimal, you reduce the chances of jurors encountering misleading information.
Protecting Your And Your Child’s rights
Jurors are supposed to rely only on what they hear in the courtroom, but in the age of social media, outside information is always within reach. A single post can shape perceptions in ways that are difficult to correct during trial. Protecting yourself means being proactive about your online presence and remembering that less is more. By limiting what is available for jurors to see, you give your case the best chance to be decided on the facts and evidence that truly matter.
