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Supreme Court rules public right shields jury selection
The Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the public and the press have a constitutional right to attend jury selection in criminal trials. Trial judges may close proceedings only as a last resort with specific reasons, and transcripts should often be made public. The decision voids California’s routine secret selections in capital cases and expands openness beyond trials. Justice Burger led the opinion, stressing a presumption of openness and the need for articulate findings. It also clarifies pretrial vs trial procedures and limits on mistrial claims from partial disclosures.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
Supreme Court
California
Warren E. Burger
High Court
Bruce Sanford
Jack Landau
Reporters’ Commitee
Freedom of
Tan
Albert Brown Jr