Figured it was better to have a proper thread for the Preliminary Hearing which started today in Montreal.
So far, the day has been spent arguing back and forth whether media should be banned from the courtroom during the Preliminary hearing. SUN NEWS TV reported there was a heated exchange between defense lawyer Luc Leclair and the judge regarding the matter. The crown and attorneys for the media have countered they should be allowed.
I think Leclair's argument is a very valid one. This is the preliminary hearing, not the trial. If there already is a publication ban on the evidence at this hearing, what purpose does the media sitting there serve? In this modern world of technology with cell phones, texting, etc, leaks are bound to, and will happen if they're there. No matter what anyone thinks of the accused or the crime itself, every case should be treated the same, fairly, with fair due process. When the case originally unfolded last May/June, we all saw what a 3 ring circus it was in the media. Could there possibly be an unbiased jury that could decide this case? For those out there who hunger for all the gory details of this case, just be patient, you'll get your fill, at the trial. But the Preliminary Hearing should be protected, for the integrity of the process as a whole. If you're shaking your head no, consider this.... do you really want any possible technicalities or 'outs' the defense could use in the case?
The public should trust the Crown and Defence to present their positions to the judge and decide if there's enough evidence to merit a trial. I think we all know what the answer is going to be.
A decision is expected Tuesday. We haven't even begun the actual Preliminary Hearing into the case.
Attached is a drawing of Magnotta in court today. White was the colour of the day for him.