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Deaf Witness Delivers Testimony Via Text Messaging

by Tim Stevens on January 29, 2009 at 04:05 PM


We've seen texting used in an awful lot of ways, like summoning a security guard, sending unwanted advertising, and even searching for alien life. One thing we haven't seen is text messages admitted into a court of law, but that's exactly what happened yesterday at a court in Northampton County, New Jersey, when a deaf witness was forced to text his testimony for the jurors.

The trial was for 36 year-old Iman R. Sharif, a man charged with burglary, stalking, criminal trespass, simple assault, and harassment. A deaf man was a witness for the trial but, while he appeared to take the stand, nobody else showed up to interpret his sign language. Text messages were seen as a last resort, but were not particularly successful as the witness often mistyped responses to questions. The court then attempted to switch over to instant messenger, but when technical problems resulted in messages not being received, the judge called for a mistrial. Maybe they'll try e-mail next time. [From: textually.org]

Tags: court, deaf, law, text, texting, witness

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