1cooldude
April 3rd, 2009, 11:16 AM
A firm has launched legal action alleging a juror sent biased Twitter updates during a trial the company lost.
http://i40.tinypic.com/hrefjp.jpg
A juror is alleged to have posted messages to his Twitter account during a trial
Stoam Holdings, which makes building materials, lost a multi-million dollar case brought by two investors.
It has filed a motion asking for a new trial, claiming juror Johnathan Powell "tweeted" during the case and was not impartial.
He allegedly posted comments such as: "Oh and nobody buy Stoam. It's bad mojo and they'll probably cease to exist, now that their wallet is 12m lighter."
Another post on his profile reads: "'So, Johnathan, what did you do today?' Oh, nothing really. I just gave away 12 million dollars of somebody else's money!"
Lawyer Drew Ledbetter argues the messages show Mr Powell was "predisposed toward giving a verdict that would impress his audience".
The motion on behalf of Russell Wright and his firm, Stoam Holdings, claims the juror sent eight Twitter updates during the trial.
Stoam had been fighting a case over whether investors' money was mishandled.
Mr Powell's profile appears to show updates on the media attention he has received since the motion was filed in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
"Twitter got me into this mess, maybe it can get me out. Do I need a lawyer?" one message states.
Mr Powell denies any wrongdoing and insists all his tweets were sent after the verdict.
Twitter is a micro-blogging site which allows users to send 140-character messages, or "tweets" from a phone or computer.
Source... (http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Twitter-Juror-Johnathan-Powell-Allegedly-Sent-Tweets-During-Court-Case-In-Arkansas-Appeal-Claims/Article/200903215241325?lpos=World_News_Second_Technology_ Article_Teaser_Region__4&lid=ARTICLE_15241325_Twitter%3A_Juror_Johnathan_Po well_Allegedly_Sent_Tweets_During_Court_Case_In_Ar kansas%2C_Appeal_Claims)
http://i40.tinypic.com/hrefjp.jpg
A juror is alleged to have posted messages to his Twitter account during a trial
Stoam Holdings, which makes building materials, lost a multi-million dollar case brought by two investors.
It has filed a motion asking for a new trial, claiming juror Johnathan Powell "tweeted" during the case and was not impartial.
He allegedly posted comments such as: "Oh and nobody buy Stoam. It's bad mojo and they'll probably cease to exist, now that their wallet is 12m lighter."
Another post on his profile reads: "'So, Johnathan, what did you do today?' Oh, nothing really. I just gave away 12 million dollars of somebody else's money!"
Lawyer Drew Ledbetter argues the messages show Mr Powell was "predisposed toward giving a verdict that would impress his audience".
The motion on behalf of Russell Wright and his firm, Stoam Holdings, claims the juror sent eight Twitter updates during the trial.
Stoam had been fighting a case over whether investors' money was mishandled.
Mr Powell's profile appears to show updates on the media attention he has received since the motion was filed in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
"Twitter got me into this mess, maybe it can get me out. Do I need a lawyer?" one message states.
Mr Powell denies any wrongdoing and insists all his tweets were sent after the verdict.
Twitter is a micro-blogging site which allows users to send 140-character messages, or "tweets" from a phone or computer.
Source... (http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Twitter-Juror-Johnathan-Powell-Allegedly-Sent-Tweets-During-Court-Case-In-Arkansas-Appeal-Claims/Article/200903215241325?lpos=World_News_Second_Technology_ Article_Teaser_Region__4&lid=ARTICLE_15241325_Twitter%3A_Juror_Johnathan_Po well_Allegedly_Sent_Tweets_During_Court_Case_In_Ar kansas%2C_Appeal_Claims)