Topic for Discussion 27/05/11 – Privacy Injunctions and Twitter

Could Twitter become a threat to

the justice system?

Following the row over privacy injunctions, critics have emphasised that it is near impossible

to stop people revealing information on Twitter. But what if people use it to name victims in

sensitive cases or reveal information from court that could see trials abandoned?

Twitter has 200 million registered accounts worldwide and adds more than 460,000 new
accounts every day.

Video and audio recording has long been barred from courts in England and Wales but
Twitter has already been given a foothold in judicial proceedings.

In December the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, issued new guidance on Twitter,
allowing its use in English and Welsh courts, at the discretion of trial judges.

Questions

How many of you have a Twitter account?

What do you use it for?

Do you think that people who say things on Twitter that could have an effect on
a trial should be prosecuted?

Do you think that restrictions should be put on Twitter to control what people
say?

If so, how do think these restrictions could be enforced?

Do you think that celebrities should be allowed to stop the press from releasing
information about them?

Do you think Twitter should be held responsible for what its users say?