Britain's Supreme Court Approves Twitter Use

The Associated Press

02-04-2011

Britain's top court has given tweeting a green light.

The Supreme Court said Thursday that journalists, lawyers and members of the public can use "live text based communications" such as Twitter to let the outside world know what is going on during hearings.

The court said exceptions might be made in some cases, such as those involving children.

The decision follows a recent ruling by the head of the judiciary that tweeting should generally be allowed in lower courts. Permission, however, can be denied in criminal trials if there is a risk that information posted on Twitter might influence witnesses or jurors.

Cameras and recording equipment remain banned in British courts.

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