ACT moves to punish jurors who conduct their own research during trials

ACT attorney general Shane Rattenbury says proposed new rules for jurors would extend to a range of behaviour, including internet searches. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

The Australian Capital Territory will introduce new laws punishing jurors who conduct their own research.

Last year, the trial of Bruce Lehrmann collapsed in the ACT supreme court after a juror conducted their own research and brought in material from outside the courtroom.