Newsweek Named James Holmes Juror, Banned from Colorado Courthouse - iMediaEthics

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An empty jury box in Nevada (Credit: Wikipedia)

Newsweek was banned from reporting from the Colorado courthouse where James Holmes’ sentencing will occur after the magazine named a juror in a tweet and an article.

The story claimed the juror “never took his eyes” off Holmes.

Newsweek provided iMediaEthics with a statement from managing editor Kira Bindrim about the matter.

Newsweek mistakenly identified a juror in the Aurora, Colorado trial in an early story and social media post about the verdict against James Holmes on July 17,” the statement sent to iMediaEthics reads. “When alerted to the error, Newsweek quickly updated the story to remove the juror’s identity. The social media post was also later deleted. Newsweek very much regrets these errors and respects the court’s decision.”

Newsweek‘s home page editor Grant Burningham told USA Today that “A court officer brought it to our reporter’s attention and we removed it early Friday morning.”

“It is really disappointing that something like this happened,” Arapahoe County Chief District Judge Carlos Samour said, according to NBC News.

He added, according to USA Today, “Frankly, Newsweek should know better.”

“Judge Carlos Samour has implemented strict measures to protect jurors’ confidentiality during the lengthy trial, including giving them secure parking behind the courthouse and banning anyone from contacting or identifying them,” USA Today reported.

Further, USA Today noted that “While the trial is being televised,  jurors’ faces are not broadcast, and they are referred to only by number by the judge and attorneys.”

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Newsweek Named James Holmes Juror, Banned from Colorado Courthouse

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