New Court Rules Could Lead to Faster Trials
"Lawyers who are conducting an internet search simply have to that," said Bar Association President Skip Walther,"and if they do it in advance of the day of trial then not only is there no expense there's no delay.
And that's good news for three-time juror Liz Goldenhursh.
"Sometimes you have to come in for a few days in a row because they don't have enough time and have so many people to interview," she said.
Lawyers now have more time to research a potential juror through Case.net, Missouri's online docket record.
If a potential juror has been in the system before that does not immediately make them ineligible for selection. Lawyers use the information to make challenges to a juror.
"It's possible that the implementation of this rule will result ion a more efficient administration of justice," said Walther, "because theoretically you will have fewer new trials awarded because jurors were not honest and forth-coming with information about their prior litigation experience."
Reported by Chris Saunders.