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

question 71

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.

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Definitions:

Memory Problems

Describes issues related to the process of storing, retaining, and recalling information, which can range from minor forgetfulness to serious conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

Savings

The concept in psychology referring to the amount of information or learned behavior that is retained and not forgotten over time.

Amnesia

A condition characterized by a partial or total loss of memory, typically caused by brain injury, disease, or psychological trauma.

Relearning

The process of learning material or information for a second time, typically more quickly than the original learning, due to some retention from the first learning experience.