It is not unusual for opposing counsel in a court case to refuse to agree on the time that court starts, but the Murder trial of former University of Cincinnati police officer Raymond Tensing has taken an unusual twist. An attorney representing multiple media outlets filed an emergency appeal of the judge’s restrictions on seating for the trial and electronic equipment in the courtroom. The judge also issued restrictions on the number of media and the number of family members as her courtroom will only seat fifty people. There is also an issue involving a twenty-five page questionnaire which each prospective juror was asked to complete. The media outlets want full access to the completed forms or, in the alternative, the forms with the individual’s personal information redacted.
The Appeals Court ordered a hearing on the rationale for the restrictions which alleged First Amendment violations. The hearing, which was held on Thursday, lasted about one hour and the judge in the case promised to issue a written ruling by Friday. Jury voir dire will start on Friday. The jury pool started with 240 people. It was reduced to 189 after hardship exemptions were granted.
Local media in this case have all retained “experts” to “enlighten their viewers on the progression of the trial. The case will be live-streamed on all of the local television stations websites.
The Friday session began with Tensing’s attorney filing four separate motions. One was for dismissal of the charges stating, “This proceeding has been a resurrection of the shuddered Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus,” That motion was denied. The second asked for a change of venue based upon the media issues in the case. That motion was taken under advisement.
The jury pool is now down to 111 with 55 of those expressing fear as to their personal information being released. And the day ended with another brief filed with the Court of Appeals by the consortium of media.
Jury selection will begin again on Monday.