Social media technologies are expanding at a rapid rate, perhaps even faster than some state’s legal procedures and guidelines. The Arkansas legal system just learned this first-hand when a death penalty conviction was overturned because of one juror’s social media mis-behavior.

Due process is a constitutional right in the country. Grounds for appeals for such serious crimes as murder are rare.

There currently are no laws established in Arkansas, and many states, to specifically exclude social media conversations to prevent this type of behavior. However, in California, it is illegal to use any electronic and wireless communication to divulge information about a case. Naturally, any communication is considered improper conduct.

So, as social media technologies continue to advance and permeate our daily lives, it is critical that our legal guidelines and laws evolve at the same rate, so we can maintain a fair and balanced justice system.

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