Ever wonder what makes a social media lawyer different from any other lawyer? “What the Heck Does a Social Media Lawyer Do Anyway?” gives a thorough overview to the major issues that a social media lawyer might be involved in. It’s not surprising that in a fast-paced and ever changing environment like social media, a social media lawyer can expect a great deal of variety to come their way.
Two recent cases highlight that posting to Facebook is not as uncomplicated as you may think. A defamation case in the UK recognized that a third party did have to disclose information on users whose identities were sought by the plaintiff. In the US, employee guidelines for social media were seen to be too broad and often violated the National Labor Review Board rules. “Social Media Spotlight: Latest Legal Moves in the UK and US” gives an in-depth look at both cases.
Not everyone is obsessed with social media, and in fact, some attorneys may not be interested in it at all. Older attorneys, in particular, may not embrace this new phenomenon, but it is becoming increasingly important in almost every facet of practice from maintaining client relationships to evidence in court. Andrew Lu provides “An Older Attorney’s Guide to Ethical Social Networking” that is useful for attorneys of any age.
California is poised to pass SB1349 which would make it illegal for colleges or universities to demand students reveal their social media passwords. Lori Pruitt’s article “Law Would Ban College From Getting Social Media Passwords” looks at this timely back-to-school issue.
The Fourth Circuit reports that “the Judicial Conference Committee on Court Administration and Case Management… has proposed model jury instructions regarding electronic technology use during trial.” This is an attempt to give concrete guidelines to jurors in regards to the use of social media during trial. Robyn Hagan Cain’s article “Will Proposed Model Jury Instructions Combat Social Media in Court?” looks at the issue.
If you use social media for advertising, there are some legal issues that you should be aware of. Some users of social media like Pinterest may not realize that their posts could be construed as advertising. These users can also benefit from this quick primer of do’s and don’ts from Jennifer L Gregor: “Prevent Advertising Legal Errors in Social Media.”
Here are two articles that look at who may be responsible for your Facebook posts. Katie Anderson’s article, “Fishing On Facebook May Put Employers ‘On the Hook'”, explores the legal ramifications of employers sifting through employees’ Facebook accounts. Hayes Hunt and Jillian R. Thornton’s article “Facebook and Twitter Subpoenas, Privacy and The Law”, takes another look at who controls the “private” information you post and tweet. Issues of control and privacy are continuing to evolve, and it’s increasingly important to keep abreast of how courts may be evolving in their responses.
Even law school libraries are utilizing social media to connect with their patrons. Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law devotes a page of their website to their social media offerings, which include a blog, Facebook, Twitter, and somewhat surprisingly, YouTube. Follow the link to learn more.
Here is yet another story about how important social media is becoming in day-to-day law enforcement. Police are using social media to help build community with the public in addition to catching criminals. The Warner Robins, Georgia, Police Department recently found out what a powerful tool social media could be. Read Ashley Minelli’s story “Law Enforcement Using Social Media to Connect with Community” to learn more.
Indian Interior Advisor Rehman Malik says social media must be regulated. Read more here.