JUDGE WILL MAKE NO DECISIONS TODAY
Defense of course opposes cameras and doesn't trust that it could be done right "The way filming is being done is problematic" (ie lots of filming of client, prejudical closeups)
The State takes no position citing it as Judge's discretion but shares concerns: - sensitive witneses - There’s potential of tainting jury pool - Concern of witnesses watching coverage
Continued-Cameras in courtroom: - may reduce the number of media in the courtroom bc they can use a pool feed. - What cams in courtroom do, it provides an opportunity to educate the public.
Media Attorney Argument for Cameras: - This case has impacted community, they should have opportunity to observe proceedings as they occur. Not everyone can make it into courthouse, could be complicated if it’s moved. - For families, it’s a way for them to observe
Judge: what concerns me is how the media manipulates the pictures/videos from the courtroom..
Judge: ive never denied a camera in the courtroom before...but this is a different case...
NOW THE JUDGE IS HEARING ARGUMENTS ON CAMERAS IN THE COURTROOM
The State is now making final statements saying it concurs with the defense...
Defense believes the current gag order is working...
Defense attorney: The push here to try to show, in every way possible, the State has a right; this is their guy, and how soon we can get him to the firing squad.. It’s grotesque
Defense final arguments to preserve the gag order: - The enormous amount of press is one-sided - No one will talk to the defense team, b/c no one wants to burst the bubble of the mob of media coming for them...
Media attorney now asking this defense expert questions... You don’t have research for jury bias in your CV? Correct.
Dr. El-Alayli: It is extremely difficult to set aside a bias in a potential juror even when they say they can in jury selection - We should prevent that bias in the first place
Dr. El-Alayli: its not possible for someone to answer accurately if they've been exposed to pre-trial publicity as some may be subconscious -Our default is to be bias
After a short break, the Defense calls Witness #2 Dr. Amani El-Alayli, Professor of Social Psychology at Eastern Washington University.. "When people are exposed to prejudicial pre-trial publicity it does effect guilty verdicts..."
#BryanKohberger nods his head in agreement
#BryanKohberger just walked back inside the courtroom for a Second Hearing of the Day... This one is expected to focus on the Media Coalition's effort to vacate the extensive gag order over the case..
1:30 PM PT