LIVE BLOG / DAY 16
10 a.m. After hearing arguments from lawyers on Tuesday, Judge Clifton Newman rules that jurors will be allowed to visit the location where Walter Scott was fatally shot. He swears in court officials who will accompany them, warns everyone not to discuss the case, and sends them to North Charleston.
After they leave, the defense team moves for a directed verdict of not guilty, which is typical in such a case. They argue that there was no malice in the shooting, while prosecutors say shooting a man eight times in the back is malice. Newman denies the motion.
The judge then says he finds sufficient evidence to allow the jury also to consider voluntary manslaughter, which carries a sentence of 2 to 30 years. Murder is punishable by 30 years to life in jail.
10:15 a.m. Court recesses until 1 p.m., when closing arguments will begin.