Today: social media and the law, the plight of Gazans, the Caird Hall, circuses, and the Anti-Sectarianism Bill.
Jurors using social media risk wrath of judge
Sir,-Once again, social media has found itself the focus of the press.
A female juror has found herself facing an eight-month jail stint having been found guilty of contempt of court by using the internet. This is the first UK case of its kind.
During a £6 million drugs trial, the juror posted messages on a defendant’s Facebook page.
Despite the judge reminding all the jurors that they must decide the case solely on evidence heard in court, the juror conducted her own online research into the defendant, and revealed details of the jury’s deliberations, both of which breach contempt of court rules.
Although the defendant was later acquitted, the juror’s actions meant a 10-week trial, which also involved several others defendants, collapsed.
We are increasingly hearing reports of jurors using technology to communicate with witnesses, or carrying out their own research, both of which endanger the impartiality of the courts.
It has been suggested by some that the courts will simply not be able to control the ubiquitousness of social media or stop jurors from carrying out DIY investigations or communicating with witnesses.
Lord Macdonald, the former Director of Public Prosecutions in England, suggested some time ago that judges were “giving up” trying to prevent juries using Google, Facebook and Twitter to find out about those accused of crimes.
That is simply not the case. Any communication by a juror about the subject matter of a trial, no matter how it is communicated, whether by social media, or simply in the street, is subject to strict contempt of court rules.
Whilst the juror involved is undoubtedly being used to serve as a warning to other jurors, it is a warning that should be welcomed.
Naomi Pryde.Edinburgh Quay,Edinburgh.
Plight of Gazans widely known
Sir,-Andrew Lawson accuses me of being in denial about the situation in Gaza. In fact, the Gaza blockade by Israel has brought terrible hardship to Gaza’s one and a half million citizens.
I agree with the International Committee of the Red Cross which has made it clear that Israel is in violation of its obligations under international humanitarian law.
There has been a huge level of concern shown by people across the world about the plight of the people of Gaza. I would draw Mr Lawson’s attention to the concerns raised by respected organisations such as the Red Cross and Oxfam.
I have raised this matter as it is important that Dundee City Council, like other local authorities, has an ethical procurement policy.
It is very clear from feedback from many constituents that they too are concerned for the plight of the people of Gaza and it is to be hoped that, with international pressure, Israel will lift its blockade.
Fraser Macpherson.Dundee City Council.
Caird Hall is out of date
Sir,-I have read that falling attendance numbers at the Caird Hall over the last year have been blamed on the recession. I would have to disagree. I feel the council is to blame.
I have attended many events in the hall and find it appalling that taking drink into the auditorium is not allowed. It must be the only such venue in Scotland to insist on this.
In other places you can enjoy your glass of wine, etc., throughout the performance and not have to stand in a corridor and hastily gulp a drink in the 15-minute interval, as is the case at the Caird Hall.
Attendance would also improve if the acts were better. Maybe if the council brought the hall into the 21st century more people would attend.
Brian Reid.16 Antiquary Place,Arbroath.
Lipizzaner horses no comparison
Sir,-I must take exception to your editorial (June16) suggesting the use of horses as performing circus animals could be acceptable as they are not wild in the sense of lions and tigers, and quoting the case of the Lipizzaner horses from Vienna.
Although I have reservations about the use of any performing animal, this is an unfair comparison as Lipizzaner horse quarters are more akin to racing stables than the close confinement of circus animals.
Your editorial is outdated and out of touch with the vast majority of the British public, who support a complete ban on all performing animals in circuses.
This situation has arisen further to many instances of undercover reporting revealing cruelty.
An exception clause in legislation would simply allow cruelty in by the back door. It is time to move on from an age of animal exploitation for public entertainment, and this means a complete ban.
Ronald Oliver.4 Lethnot Street,Broughty Ferry.
Bill needs more consideration
Sir,- The recently published Anti-Sectarianism Bill has been allocated only two weeks for discussion and review in the Scottish Parliament, compared with the more conventional 12-18 months.
I asked the Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs, Roseanna Cunningham, directly about this and received the reply that “the time for talking is past”, and that she felt no need for a longer period of reflection on details.
There are many flaws. The Bill creates an offence against public order when no-one is present.
There is ample evidence from the past the Dangerous Dogs Act and anti-terrorism legislation that quick law means bad law.
I hope we are not seeing the start of arrogance in the SNP now they have an overall majority at Holyrood, particularly when we bear in mind the high number of MSPs inexperienced in passing legislation.
I would ask the SNP to reconsider the timescale.
Eugene Clarke.17 Taeping Close,Cellardyke.
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