MUJI 2d CR109B

Jurors have caused serious problems during trials by using electronic devices-such as phones, tablets, or computers-to research issues or share information about a case. You may be tempted to use these devices to investigate the case or to share your thoughts about the trial with others. Don't. While you are serving as a juror, you must not use electronic devices for these purposes, just as you must not read or listen to any sources outside the courtroom about the case or talk to others about it.

You violate your oath as a juror if you conduct your own investigation or if you communicate about this trial with others, and you may face serious personal consequences if you do. Let me be clear: do not "Google" the parties, witnesses, issues, or counsel; do not "Tweet" or text about the trial; do not use electronic devices to gather or send information on the case; do not post updates about the trial on Facebook pages; do not use Wikipedia or other internet information sources, etc. Even using something as seemingly innocent as "Google Maps" or a dictionary to look up terms can result in a mistrial.

Please understand that the rules of evidence and procedure have developed over hundreds of years in order to ensure the fair resolution of disputes. The fairness of the entire system depends on you reaching your decisions based on evidence presented to you in court and not on other sources of information.

Post-trial investigations can occur. If improper activities are discovered at any time, they will be brought to my attention and the entire case might have to be retried at substantial cost.