A federal judge has granted a reporter’s request to send Twitter posts from the courtroom during a trial.

U.S. District Judge J. Thomas Marten ruled Monday that the posts would not prejudice jurors since they’re told to avoid newspaper, broadcast and online reports about the case.

Wichita Eagle reporter Ron Sylvester asked to use Twitter in covering the trial of a group of men accused of racketeering through the Crips street gang.

Twitter posts from journalists are becoming common in state courts. But federal courts are more restrictive, and still don’t even allow cameras.

People use Twitter to update others on what they’re doing or observing. The postings are limited to 140 characters and can be sent from a mobile phone or computer.