Has the Contempt of Court act changed because of the digital age?

[Emily]

I am yet to find anything on this issue, specifically would like information on the UK. Have there been any updates for act, due to the progression of online social media sites?.
Any sources would be great.
Thanks !

[Andi]

Oh yes..
there is a proposal to make it a CRIMINAL offence
to search online while a juror...... (!!!)

which seems an amazing over reaction and unlikely to stop it occuring, as it usually happens naturally.

It is already contempt of court to discuss the case (in any means/ form) during the case, and jurors discussions (at any time) so social media is already automatically covered...


and what (seriously) is the difference between knowing something before teh trial and finding the same information during it. In both cases, you are promising to use only the information presented 'as fact' in the case. not any other information you may know.

Rmemeber, original trials were in villages / towns etc,
so everyone would know lots of gossip and extra knowledge...
why should it have changed ?

proposal to Criminalise Online use in trials

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/c...ernet.html Feb 2014

BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25210867

and recently discussed on BBC radio 4, Law in Action programme
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03xf0gf - downloadable / listen again



http://www.lawgazette.co.uk/law/call-for...57.article

http://www.theguardian.com/law/2012/nov/...tempt-laws - Nov 2012