Charlie Kirk murder suspect Tyler Robinson must stand trial: 8 takeaways from judge's ruling, lawyers' arguments
Judge keeps death penalty on table
2. Judge denies defense request to ban live broadcast, restrict public access
Judge Tony Graf allowed a live broadcast news feed and photographer in the courtroom on Tuesday, after determining that Tyler Robinson’s defense hadn't provided enough evidence that broadcasting legal arguments would create additional prejudice. The defense had previously argued that publicizing the hearing “may threaten a defendant’s fair trial rights” and make it hard to find impartial jurors, the judge noted.
Graf reasoned that there are "potential safeguards" in jury selection. The judge also said that the evidentiary portion of the preliminary hearing in July was conducted publicly, and no new evidence was presented at Tuesday's proceedings. "Because the relevant evidence was ... previously presented in open court, the public interest in access to legal argument outweighs the incremental prejudice established on the present record," Graf said.
The judge also stated that, while there are certain limits, the public and the press have constitutional and common-law rights of access to criminal proceedings.
Samantha Kamman is a reporter for The Christian Post. She can be reached at: samantha.kamman@christianpost.com. Follow her on Twitter: @Samantha_Kamman
