The Tense Wait Outside the Courtroom
Around a dozen parents huddled in the dim hallway outside the courtroom in February, nervously gripping paper tickets. They were glaring at a gray tote bag held by a member of the court staff—the one who'd determine, by lottery, if they made it inside.
Symbols of Loss and Restraint
Pinned on bags and coats, butterfly clips honored children they'd lost, deaths these parents link to their children's experiences online. The clips were a symbolic gesture chosen to not inadvertently prejudice the jury, which would decide if social media companies could be held liable for the kinds of harms they believe their children experienced.
The Stakes of the Lottery
If the number on a parent's ticket came up, they would gain entry to observe the proceedings. For full details, read the story at The Verge.
