News
Second Edition of Law Journal Published
06-21-2011
The second edition of the Reynolds Courts & Media Law Journal, which explores matters of conflict between the constitutional right to free speech and the constitutional right to a fair trial, has been published by the Donald W. Reynolds National Center for the Courts and Media at the University of Nevada, Reno.
The new issue, which is available online here,focuses on "Modern Media in the Court," particularly the effects of social media on court proceedings.
It features an article by Maryland judge Dennis M. Sweeney comparing his experience with high-profile cases before and after the emergence of social media. In another article, Gareth Lacey looks at jurors' use of social media, and critically explores the rationale for shielding jurors from outside information about a case. Professor Genelle I. Belmas, meanwhile, looks at judges' use of social media sites, and the implications for judicial ethics. And Stacy Blasiola looks at how courts in one state -- Wisconsin -- deal with requests from traditional and "new" media to cover court proceedings.
In just a few years, social media and the Internet have become a pervasive part of many individuals’ lives; a trend that is only likely to accelerate as we create new ways to access and use the vast trove of information available “in the cloud.” And courts, some of the most tradition-bound institutions in our society, are going to have to adapt to this new digital reality.
With this issue of the Reynolds Courts & Media Law Journal, we hope to spark discussion and thought about how this transformation is proceeding – and help craft the courts’ digital future.
