Mich. Supreme Court adopts jury cell phone rule

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan jurors will be instructed not to use cell phones or other electronic devices at trial or during deliberations except during breaks.

The state Supreme Court on Tuesday adopted a statewide rule governing jurors' use of communication devices.

Starting Sept. 1, judges will warn jurors not to use computers or other devices to obtain or disclose information about cases when they're away from the courthouse.

Jurors shouldn't read news accounts of a case or research topics they think might be helpful in deciding the case.

Judges traditionally tell jurors not to discuss their case with others or to read news stories. Now judges will have to issue the warnings.

The high court is still considering separate courthouse cell phone rules for lawyers.