Supreme Court rule is that court hearings are open and court pleadings are public," said lawyer Ken Kraus, who teaches media law at DePaul.Īlbert Alschuler, a law professor at Northwestern University, noted conferences on jury instructions are often conducted privately, and that "gag orders are becoming more and more routine in highly publicized cases."Īs to why Gaughan sealed court documents and plans a closed-door hearing, "You wonder if he's worried about some kind of witness intimidation," Alschuler said. "There are certain valid things that ought to be protected," such as the rights of children or national security, he said.īut Garbus, Kirtley and others said a judge is required to articulate why he is sealing documents and proceedings. Martin Garbus, a First Amendment lawyer in New York, said Gaughan may have sealed documents to protect the alleged victim or other children. Kelly, of Olympia Fields, has pleaded not guilty. Kellyn muut julkaisut Best of Both Worlds 2002 Chocolate Factory 2003 The R. Kelly Tyylilaji R&B, soul, hip hop Kesto 76.26 Levy-yhtiö Jive Records Muut kannet Loveland -bonus levyn kansi R. Kelly, is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. Kelly Studioalbumin tiedot Nauhoitettu 20012003 Julkaistu 18. Kelly from the Chocolate Factory US Bonus CD. Kelly, 41, is charged with child pornography for allegedly videotaping himself having sex with a girl estimated to be 13 or 14. Ĝhocolate Factory (CD, Album) album cover.
At Kelly's court dates, the lawyers usually meet with Gaughan in his chambers for a half hour to an hour before emerging and briefly discussing scheduling matters in public. Judge Gaughan has issued a "decorum order" barring lawyers from talking to the media about anything beyond the charges, scheduling, and basic details about Kelly.
"They're running the risk of, in effect, creating a secret proceeding," said Jane Kirtley, a law and journalism professor at the University of Minnesota. But the total number of documents under seal and what they are remains a secret. The judge has already placed several documents under seal, including lists of witnesses. Jury selection is set to begin May 9, more than five years after Kelly was initially charged.
Judge Vincent Gaughan said Tuesday the April 11 hearing will deal with "motions that were filed under seal," and jury instructions. Kelly's child pornography case will hold a closed hearing next week, one of several measures he has taken to impose secrecy on parts of the high-profile case.