By David Peel
Televised trials like South Carolina v. Alex Murdaugh have birthed a new generation of internet sleuths.
Social media has allowed unprecedented immediate responses and comments as a trial progresses. Twitter lights up as bombshells drop real-time in the courtroom.
Examples:
Easy to follow graphs of technical cell phone data quickly appear on social media that a whole cadre of true crime fans created.
Applicable measurements, numbers of steps and other physical charts, diagrams and maps assist the viewers in real time.
Theories and conjecture, some of which may be baseless, but some of which makes sense is routinely, suggested as witnesses testify.
Timely reminders of prior inconsistent testimony or other evidence is brought up as quickly as the testimony is given.
True crime fans, who have a passion for such things often notice body language, including tics, looks and nervous habits during trial that even the jury may miss being in the same room.
Indeed, one could almost crowd source a cross examination, if you could sort through all the responses and reactions to direct examination.
I suppose for televised trials, law firms will now need to have a social media monitor in order to glean the best ideas and clear up apparent inconsistencies that may happen in a quart room.
It’s a brave New World
Peel seeks justice for those injured in tractor trailer and car accidents, medical malpractice, and disability. He often addresses churches, clubs and groups without charge. Peel may be reached through PeelLawFirm.com wherein other articles may be accessed
