Internet and Social Networks Add New Tools for Attorneys to Strengthen Client’s Case in Court

Researching potential jurors for a trial used to be an arduous task which could, at times, net very little information. Not anymore. With the advent of the internet - especially social networks - a competent, innovative attorney can utilize these new public resources to discover information about their pool of potential jurors.

For example, in a recent federal trial in Harrisonburg, Virginia (VA) a lawyer said her dossier on jurors provided "five free strikes" (five people she can request be dismissed from the jury) because several of the jurors had lied about past legal involvements, according to Virginia Lawyers Weekly.

You might be thinking, "Isn't that an invasion of privacy?" The answer is no. Information posted on a social network and through Google search queries is considered public information. The only information that's restricted is private personal and financial information.

It's important to understand that for a case that winds up going all the way to trial, selecting a qualified jury is absolutely essential to the outcome of the case. As an injury attorney, I don't want a pro-insurance company, anti-injury victim juror for my case. In order to properly assess each juror requires a thorough analysis of past legal quarrels, profession, ideology, etc. Web sites like Facebook, MySpace, and even a simple Google search offer a lense into a juror's life that wasn't available before the internet.

Some of the information that's most readily accessible through simple Google searches include...

• Political contributions
• Web site visits
• Comments on Facebook, MySpace, and any other social networking site
• Letters to the editor of a newspaper

About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys focus on personal injury and accident law and have experience handling wrongful death cases. We have offices in Virginia Beach and Hampton, VA, but we're ready to come to you anywhere in Virginia if your family member or loved one was killed as a result of someone else's carelessness.

Rick Shapiro and James Lewis have been named to the National Million Dollar Advocates Form since 2009 and listed among the Best Lawyers in America since 2008. Shapiro and Lewis have also been named Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law since 2010. Fewer than 5 percent of lawyers are chosen for this professional honor. In addition, ours was the first injury law firm in Virginia to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical and respected law firms.

Our VA personal injury firm has the highest rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer ranking organization, which means we have a reputation for preeminent legal skill.

While not every injury case meets our criteria, we offer free initial confidential case consultations, so call us toll free at (800) 752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a voicemail so we can return your call.