As Presiding Judge Over a Recent Kidnapping, Rape, and Torture

Essay

As presiding judge over a recent kidnapping, rape, and torture case of a 33 year-old female prostitute, it has been brought toyour attention that a member of the jury has been using the internet, especially Google, totrack down more information about the case. This information was brought forward toyou by another jury member. Although you had given strict instructions that nomember of the jury was toseek outside references or material about the case, you did not specifically highlight or discuss the use of technology while the jurors were being sequestered in the evenings back at the hotel. As the presiding judge, what doyou do? Doyou declare a mistrial or doyou allow the proceedings tocontinue? Please fully explain your decision.