Many have wondered for some time how social media posts could be utilized to assist the prosecution or defense teams involved in litigation. At first glance, one very promising tactic that could be utilized by both prosecuting attorneys and defense attorneys in the future is simply “listening” to opinions of the public within social media.
In real time during the Casey Anthony case, the defense team monitored tweets, blogs and Facebook posts to gauge the public reaction within their target demographic for specific aspects of the case presented. For example, when public opinion on Twitter or Facebook changed dramatically during the case, Singer’s team made it clear to the defense that they should change their strategy. "When bloggers and others in social media sites started to attack George Anthony about his alleged mistress, the defense team beefed up their questions against him,” said Singer.
To what degree the changes made “on the fly” by the defense team reacting to real-time online opinion may or may not have affected the outcome of this case is unknown. What cannot be ignored is that social media played a role and probably will expand in it's role in the coming years.
Defense attorneys and prosecuting attorneys alike may find themselves investing time and money to employ teams of social media barometers (staff who listen to and monitor conversations within social media) sooner rather than later. Having the slightest edge in intelligence or preparation is crucial in matters of litigation and social media may be the newest tool that can be utilized.
Look for social media monitoring and reporting to be formalized and leveraged by the top firms in the world in the very near future.
Casey Anthony Defense Driven by Social Media
"This whole case was driven by social media. We really tapped into people's minds and I think it's a tool that should be used by defense and prosecution." Said Fort Lauderdale-based consultant Amy Singer, involved at the pro bono level in the defense team for Casey Anthony.
Many have wondered for some time how social media posts could be utilized to assist the prosecution or defense teams involved in litigation. At first glance, one very promising tactic that could be utilized by both prosecuting attorneys and defense attorneys in the future is simply “listening” to opinions of the public within social media.
In real time during the Casey Anthony case, the defense team monitored tweets, blogs and Facebook posts to gauge the public reaction within their target demographic for specific aspects of the case presented. For example, when public opinion on Twitter or Facebook changed dramatically during the case, Singer’s team made it clear to the defense that they should change their strategy. "When bloggers and others in social media sites started to attack George Anthony about his alleged mistress, the defense team beefed up their questions against him,” said Singer.
To what degree the changes made “on the fly” by the defense team reacting to real-time online opinion may or may not have affected the outcome of this case is unknown. What cannot be ignored is that social media played a role and probably will expand in it's role in the coming years.
Defense attorneys and prosecuting attorneys alike may find themselves investing time and money to employ teams of social media barometers (staff who listen to and monitor conversations within social media) sooner rather than later. Having the slightest edge in intelligence or preparation is crucial in matters of litigation and social media may be the newest tool that can be utilized.
Look for social media monitoring and reporting to be formalized and leveraged by the top firms in the world in the very near future.
Many have wondered for some time how social media posts could be utilized to assist the prosecution or defense teams involved in litigation. At first glance, one very promising tactic that could be utilized by both prosecuting attorneys and defense attorneys in the future is simply “listening” to opinions of the public within social media.
In real time during the Casey Anthony case, the defense team monitored tweets, blogs and Facebook posts to gauge the public reaction within their target demographic for specific aspects of the case presented. For example, when public opinion on Twitter or Facebook changed dramatically during the case, Singer’s team made it clear to the defense that they should change their strategy. "When bloggers and others in social media sites started to attack George Anthony about his alleged mistress, the defense team beefed up their questions against him,” said Singer.
To what degree the changes made “on the fly” by the defense team reacting to real-time online opinion may or may not have affected the outcome of this case is unknown. What cannot be ignored is that social media played a role and probably will expand in it's role in the coming years.
Defense attorneys and prosecuting attorneys alike may find themselves investing time and money to employ teams of social media barometers (staff who listen to and monitor conversations within social media) sooner rather than later. Having the slightest edge in intelligence or preparation is crucial in matters of litigation and social media may be the newest tool that can be utilized.
Look for social media monitoring and reporting to be formalized and leveraged by the top firms in the world in the very near future.
