The Seattle Times brings yet another story of juror misconduct due to the lure of the Internet. We've brought you similar stories in the past. In this case, the jury foreman looked up the statute for first-degree rape and linked through to the crime's penalty as well. The trial had lasted five weeks and was already concluded.
Ultimately, the judge ordered a new trial due to the misconduct.
A new trial would mean the woman would have to testify again about being threatened, choked and bitten. A new trial would mean money wasted. [The defendant] speaks Somali. During the trial, the court spent more than $20,000 on interpreters alone.
Ultimately, the judge ordered a new trial due to the misconduct.