.."was argued to the Court in an ex-parte closed proceeding." Does that mean she had her way and met alone with Stephens before the attys joined in?!
In a closed proceeding, if I understand it correctly, only those invited to attend may be part of the proceedings--the press and public do not have the right to witness what goes on. Ex-parte means that only one side will benefit from the motion will be heard, and, that the matter needs to be attended to quickly. the inference is that giving notice to the other party would harm the person bringing the motion. I believe that either the person bringing the motion or the attorney for that person would be present with the judge.
A court order from an ex parte hearing is often followed by a full hearing for all parties involved.
Since Judge Stephens made her ruling, JA's 12 page document is now in the public domain and I can see why Stephens took time making her ruling. The records of the hearing were sealed, so we may never know what was said. However, obviously, Stephens found that any negative effects of Nurmi's remaining as first chair were outweighed by the benefits of having him remain as first chair.
I don't think JA recognized that Nurmi was falling on his sword to give her a possible retrial on appeal by making his 9/10 day comment. Then JA accusing Nurmi of having a selective memory gave me a few laughs. Plus, when she complains he hasn't seen her since May but admits she has refused to see him when he did try to see her, it just shows that JA has not lost her need to manipulate. IMO, JA did not do herself any favours by making this motion.
If I've made any errors, could a legal expert please correct them. And, could someone make an educated guess as to whether or not Stephens's ruling today could be used by the prosecution to argue that an appeal based on the incompetence of a defence attorney is groundless? ie. If Nurmi was incompetent to the point of damaging the case on behalf of his client, wouldn't Stephens have agreed to have him replaced as lead counsel?
