LAWYERS have thrown their support behind live tweeting from court, provided that the rights and privacy of victims are respected.

They say following the lead of the UK's High Court and permitting the media to use Twitter during trials would increase understanding of legal processes.

South Australia could become one of the first jurisdictions in the world to allow live, text-based coverage of judicial proceedings.

Victims of Crime Commissioner Michael O'Connell warned that care should be taken when tweeting information about alleged victims.

"Tweets are only 140 characters, and that carries with it the risk of making a case sound more sinister," he said. "If this is to be put in place, laws protecting the rights and privacy of victims need to be strengthened."

A committee of SA judges and public servants is debating the use of social media tools in court. It was established by former Chief Justice John Doyle in the wake of a December 2011 ruling, in the UK, permitting Twitter use during cases.

In SA, journalists may take notes in court but only lawyers may use tablets and smartphones.

Last month, new Chief Justice Chris Kourakis expressed support for Twitter, saying suppression order laws adequately dealt with breaches of protocol.

Yesterday, Law Society of SA president Ralph Bonig agreed.

"As long as (tweeting) does not become intrusive or invasive in the court process, we have no problem," he said.

Australian Defence Lawyers Association spokesman Craig Caldicott said Twitter could be used as an educational tool.