Jodi Arias Trial Update Today: Judge Sherry Stephens denied a request by Jodi Arias' defense attorneys that would have required to jurors provide their Twitter account names.

On Wednesday. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Sherry Stephens denied a motion that would have requed jurors for the Jodi Arias re-trial to disclose their Twitter accounts. Lawyers for Jodi Arias argued that jurors need to reveal their Twitter handles so they could be monitored for any inappropriate comments or communication with each other on the case.

Defense lawyer Kirk Nurmi said Jodi Arias' legal team needs juror Twitter accounts to ensure they are not being influenced by outside elements. Prosecutor Juan Martinez calls it an invasion of juror privacy.

Judge Stephens ruled there's no basis to investigate or monitor jurors "absent a credible allegation that juror misconduct has occurred." The Jodi Arias judge further found that the Twitter account information would not "limit or reduce in any meaning way the possibility that a juror will be exposed to extraneous information about the case."

The Jodi Arias Judge wrote: "The court can find no legal authority supporting an order that all jurors provide their Twitter account information to the court. Access to social media and a particular juror's frequent use of social media may be appropriate topics for jury selections. The parties may include questions in the jury questionnaire regarding use of social media and whether a juror is willing to cease or limit accessing social media during the trial. This information may assist the parties in discovering concerns about prospective jurors. There is no lawful basis for the court or parties to investigate or monitor jurors absent a credible allegation that juror misconduct has occurred. If a juror is inclined to violate the court's admonition (provided orally during court proceedings and in writing in the preliminary Jury instructions given to each juror), there are numerous ways such a violation could occur. Requiring jurors to provide Twitter account information would not limit or reduce in any meaningful way the possibility that a juror will be exposed to extraneous information about the case or assist in preventing or proving a violation of the court's admonition. Further, informing jurors they are required to provide information about their social media accounts may result in a prospective juror refusing to participate as a juror on the case because he or she deem such a requirement to be a violation of his or her privacy rights. "The court will not presume juror misconduct will occur. The court will not require all jurors to provide their social media account information to the court." 

Jodi Arias Judge Stephens banned the use of all electronic devices inside the courtroom. Reporters covering the Jodi Arias trial won't be able to use Twitter. The judge also rule that there will be no live television coverage of Jodi Arias' penalty phase retrial. 

In May, Jodi Arias was convicted of the grisly 2008 murder of her ex-boyfriend, Travis Alexander. The former waitress and budding photographer stabbed him 27 times, shot him in the face and cut his throat from ear to ear with such force she almost took his head off. Jodi Arias said she did it in self-defense. She claimed Travis Alexander had a violent outburst while they were shooting a nude video and she dropped his camera. The jury found her guilty but couldn't decide whether to sentence her to life in prison or give her the death penalty.

Under Arizona law, Jodi Arias' murder conviction stands, but prosecutors can pursue a death sentence in the penalty phase with a new jury. If the second jury fails to reach a verdict, the death penalty would be removed as an option. Judge Stephens would then sentence Jodi Arias to either spend her entire life behind bars or be eligible for release after 25 years.

The Jodi Arias judge also ruled that the trial will remain in Phoenix. Attorneys for Jodi Arias argued that it would be hard to find impartial jurors because of the intense publicity the case will draw. The Jodi Arias judge also banned all electronic devices from the courtroom. This means that reporters will not be able to use Twitter to deliver the real-time updates to the public. This marred the first phase of the Jodi Arias trial.

Jodi Arias alleged that Alexander had a history of domestic abuse and was particularly sadistic with her. The jury rejected her allegations but couldn't decide whether the she should get the death penalty or be sentenced to life in prison. Arias made public statements that she preferred death to life in a cage, but balked when she realized what that would do to her family. Her guilty verdict still stands as the defense and prosecution prepare for the new phase in the trial that will determine whether prosecutors will still go after the death penalty for Arias.