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Wait, What? Holly Bobo Judge May Send Death Penalty Jury To Football Game

 

The judge presiding over the high-profile Holly Bobo trial is considering whether to allow the sequestered jury to attend a football game. The jury is spending the next two weeks in a hotel room without television or radio access as it hears testimony in the case. The defendant, Zachary Adams, could face the death penalty if convicted. Jurors are hearing testimony into the evening and on Saturdays.

Judge Charles Creed McGinley started the afternoon with a “general inquiry” about who on the jury were fans of a certain team. He said he was considering allowing them to go see the game, apparently in person, but couldn’t make any promises.

—>> WATCH TRIAL LIVE HERE <<—–

McGinley theorized in open court that the “presence of dark” would leave the jury “isolated,” and that there would be adequate space on the visitor’s side of the field or stadium which would prevent the jury from any “danger of exposure.” The judge also suggested that guards would be present.

The judge also said that the jury might be able to watch a football game on television at some point, assuming any non-game programming (including commercial breaks, which might include newscast previews) could be cut out.

The judge yesterday threw a freelance journalist out of the proceedings for tweeting the occupation of a juror. Apparently, sending the jury to a public event which may be brightly lit, may be packed with recognizable people, and may be filled with cameras carries nowhere near as great a risk?

The judge did not promise to send the jurors to the game or allow them to watch the other game on television; it appeared he was merely considering it.

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Aaron Keller holds a juris doctor degree from the University of New Hampshire School of Law and a broadcast journalism degree from Syracuse University. He is a former anchor and executive producer for the Law&Crime Network and is now deputy editor-in-chief for the Law&Crime website. DISCLAIMER:  This website is for general informational purposes only. You should not rely on it for legal advice. Reading this site or interacting with the author via this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. This website is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. Speak to a competent lawyer in your jurisdiction for legal advice and representation relevant to your situation.