Let's Go To The Tapes
Judge Reggie Walton had been "worried that jurors could be influenced by outside media buzz" if the tapes were released, but he ultimately decided to release them later today, writes the Associated Press.
Making evidence presented to a jury publicly available is generally supported by federal law, but in high profile cases, judges "occasionally have released only written transcripts or have delayed public disclosure until the trial's end."
Since there are no cameras allowed in the courtroom, the release of the audio material will add to broadcasters' -- and online media's -- ability to cover the case in a more complete way. Said a lawyer representing the AP and several broadcast networks: ``It certainly helps the broadcast media. But it helps other outlets, too, now that you've got newspaper Web sites, with opportunities for greater use of audio and video.''