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to get that information as traditional newspapers limit the amount a reporter can write about a case . 32
Twitter supporters say that there is no difference between providing news via traditional print and contemporary electronic methods and therefore journalists should be given the option of deciding how they wish to report trial information . They see no difference between the two and therefore say that each should be provided equal weight since they bring about the same result . Federal Judge Thomas Marten agrees with this assessment and recently commented that he did not “ see any difference between [ a journalist using Twitter and one sitting in the courtroom taking notes ]. In fact , it is surprising how much the Twitter world resembles that of a newspaper ...” 33 Judge Marten has allowed reporters to post live Twitter updates straight from several trials over which he has presided . He comments , “ The fact that tweets were posted throughout the day allowed the public to follow the trial as it progressed . Through Twitter , people will have the opportunity to follow and discuss what is happening inside our legal system as it is happening .” 34 One judge praises Twitter for lessening the noise and distractions in his court . Judge James B . Stewart explains that tweeting actually lessened disturbances typically associated with reporters ’ exiting and entering the courtroom to send communications or make phone calls . 35
32 Cervantes , supra , at 152 .
33 Nick Bilton , A Tech World That Centers on the User , N . Y . Times , Sep . 13 , 2010 , at B1 .
34 Cervantes , supra , at 157 . 35 Seitz , supra , at 41 .
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