Social Media in the Courtroom

Preface
Social Media vs. Other Forms of Communication
Introduction
Social Media Platforms
Blog
Craigslist
Facebook
Foursquare
LinkedIn
Myspace
Pinterest
Reddit
Second Life
Twitter
YouTube
Social Media Defined and Classified
Part I Individuals
1. Crime Victims
2. Virtual Deputies
Reluctant Virtual Deputies
3. Criminal Defendants
Category I Crimes (Relaying Information)
Online Category I Crimes
Offline Category I Crimes
Category II Crimes (Gathering Information)
Modern Category II Crimes
Traditional Category II Crimes
Challenges of Preventing and Prosecuting Social Media Crimes
Criminal Penalties Targeting Social Media Use
Sentencing Enhancements
Ban
Monitoring
Digital Scarlet Letter
4. Jurors
Juror Communications
Why Jurors Discuss the Case
Limiting or Controlling Juror Communications
Part II Law Enforcement
5. Community Relations
6. Prevention, Apprehension, and Investigation
Prevention
Apprehension
Investigation
Fourth Amendment
Fifth Amendment
Part III Attorneys
7. Obtaining Social Media Information
Independent Research
Social Media Users and Providers
Content Information
Noncontent Information
Motion to Quash
Discovery
8. Using Social Media
Inside the Courtroom
Outside the Courtroom
Investigating Jurors
Subpoenaing a Juror's Social Media Information
9. Ethical Implications of Using and Obtaining Social Media
On the Job
Witnesses and Jurors
Clients
Friends and the General Public
Advertising
Commentary
Off the Job
Part IV Judges
10. Personal Use and Ethics
General Public
Private Individuals
Independent Research
11. Inside the Courtroom
Regulating Others
12. Admitting Social Media into Evidence
Relevance
Authentication
Access and Control
Distinctive Characteristics
Hearsay
Best Evidence Rule
Character Evidence
Conclusion
Appendix A: Sample Preservation Request Letter (Law Enforcement)
Appendix B: Sample Preservation Request Letter (Defense Counsel)
Appendix C: Subpoena Point of Contact
Appendix D: Model Instructions
Notes
Index