While cameras remain barred from Nova Scotian courtrooms, social media has arrived in the form of live-tweeting.  Chief Justice Kennedy told media he was “impressed” with the tweeting done during a recent high-profile case in his courtroom.  But our Don Murray, Q.C., who has spent a lifetime observing and participating in court proceedings, isn’t ready to give his wholehearted endorsement.

“The medium itself is not benign.  It contains its own inherent biases and dangers.”  Don is concerned about the potential of Twitter, in forcing users to disseminate their information in 140-character bursts, to over-simplify and even distort complicated legal proceedings.  Can a trial fraught with contradictory evidence, human drama and subtle legal arguments be conveyed in a nuanced way by the same medium that reports celebrity feuds?

Maybe.  Perhaps tweeting is a way to involve more citizens in the critical role played by the courts in a democratic society.  Or maybe it turns the courtroom into Real Lawyers of Halifax County (with apologies to the “Housewives” fans).  What is most important now is a thoughtful consideration of the issues and there’s no better place to start than Don’s editorial of August 5, 2014 (click here).  Those in a mood to listen might prefer Don’s August 15, 2014 interview with CBC’s Information Morning (click here) or his August 7, 2014 discussion on the Rick Howe show (click here).  You might even want to tweet out your own reaction!