Judge Orders No Dream Dates With Sheltered Twelve

Media schlimazel gets Cedarbaumed as jury hears tale of sunny days

Elizabeth Koch | March 3, 2004

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Counsel: [Cough. Inaudible question.]

Judge: I certainly do not want to interfere with any juror who wants to be interviewed once I release them.

Counsel: [Inaudible comment.]

Judge: The jurors were made aware the questionnaire would never be public—it's a very unusual request to ask me to violate my promise to the jury.

Her laugh summons visions of a hurtling gavel. Hope the guy has quick reflexes.

Counsel: The public had a right...

Judge: My word is my bond.

Counsel: (Inaudible statement.)

Judge: What case? No Supreme Court case advises it should be made public.

Counsel: [Inaudible statement.]

Judge: I have no intention of preventing reporters from doing their job. My job is to preserve the system of justice and the jury's privacy.

Counsel: [Inaudible question.]

Judge: Cameras are not allowed in the courthouse.

Counsel: [More.]

Judge: What possible relevance? What possible relevance does the face of a juror have on the public? Besides to help sell newspapers.