Expert says Albany judge's ruling was wrong - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Expert says Albany judge's ruling was wrong

Posted: Updated:
  • More WALB News10 HeadlinesMore News Headlines

  • Thursday, May 23 2013 11:45 PM EDT2013-05-24 03:45:38 GMT
    A Cordele man is out of jail tonight, accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of jewelry from his former employer. Crisp County Investigators say 25-year-old James Aultman stole more than $10,000
    A Cordele man is out of jail tonight, accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of jewelry from his former employer.
  • Thursday, May 23 2013 11:40 PM EDT2013-05-24 03:40:13 GMT
    Albany Police are putting on a free gospel concert this weekend. It's free, but they will accept donations to fund the department's annual community picnic in June. Musical artists from around South
    Albany Police are putting on a free gospel concert this weekend.
  • Thursday, May 23 2013 11:35 PM EDT2013-05-24 03:35:30 GMT
    A couple of South Georgia mayors attended a forum at the Albany Civil Rights Institute to enlighten the public on how city governments run, Thursday. Albany Mayor Dorothy Hubbard and Baconton Mayor Annette
    A couple of South Georgia mayors attended a forum at the Albany Civil Rights Institute to enlighten the public on how city governments run, Thursday.

By Ben Roberts - bio | email

ALBANY, GA (WALB) – Dougherty Superior Court Judge Denise Marshall kept the doors to the courtroom locked as lawyers questioned jurors in former Albany Downtown Manger Don Buie's theft trial. She refused to tell us why she closed the courtroom.

Augusta attorney David Hudson, the general counsel for the Georgia Press Association, says a Georgia Supreme Court ruling in 1982 made it clear that all proceedings must be open. Hudson said, "All parts of a criminal trial must be open to the public . . . pre-trial hearings, jury selection, actual trial, post-trial motions and hearings, sentencing, all of it has to be open."

Hudson said in order to close any part of a case, a judge must have an open hearing that proves there are extraordinary reasons why the public should be kept out. The judge then must issue a written ruling. Judge Marshall did none of that.

 
©2009 WALB News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.  Feedback