I fully understand the frustration, anger and criticisms of the judge. This latest development has me thinking 'WTF?' too. Yet I have seem nothing to suggest dishonesy from Judge Stephens. A painfully patient dedication to trying a notorious case, politeness, good humour, tenacity - I have seen JSS exhibit all of those qualities - and more. If I am wrong, I'll know soon enough and learn from my error of judgement. What the family think of JSS will be of the utmost importance to me. How she sentences Arias too. Arias will try for future appeals. She would have done so with any judge. I hope Stephen's approach is validated when they are all thrown out.
Looks as if JSS has every right for her decision, according to the AZ Supreme Court laws about cameras, tweeting, etc. in the courtroom, and it's up to her discretion to make the decision according to the situation:
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Cameras in Court - Rule 122:
"...(d)
Denial or limitation of coverage. A properly submitted request for coverage should generally be approved, but a judge may deny or may limit the request as provided in this paragraph. A judge's decision on a coverage request, or on an objection to coverage, is reviewable only by special action.
(1) Denial of coverage: A judge on his or her own motion may deny a request for coverage, or may sustain a party's objection to coverage, only after making specific, on-the-record findings that there is a likelihood of harm arising from one or more of the following factors, and that the harm outweighs the benefit of coverage to the public:
(A) the impact of coverage upon the right of any party to a fair hearing or trial;
(B) the impact of coverage upon the right of privacy of any party, victim, or witness;
(C) the impact of coverage upon the safety and well-being of any party, victim, witness, or juror;
(D) the likelihood that coverage would distract participants or that coverage would disrupt or detract from the dignity of a proceeding;
(E) the adequacy of the physical facilities of the court;
(F) the timeliness of the request pursuant to paragraph (c)(2) of this rule;
(G) whether the person making the request is engaged in the dissemination of news to a broad community; and
(H) any other factor affecting the administration of justice.
(2)
Limitation of coverage: Upon his or her own motion or upon the request of a party, victim, or witness, a judge may allow coverage as requested or may, after making specific, on-the-record findings based on the factors in paragraph (d)(1), impose limitations as follows:
(A) order that no one may photograph, record, or broadcast a criminal defendant, a law enforcement officer, or a victim in the courtroom;
(B) order that video coverage must effectively obscure the face and identity of that party, victim, or witness, or that there be only audio coverage of the testimony of a party, victim, or witness;
(C) prohibit coverage of the testimony of that witness upon a determination that coverage would have a substantial adverse impact upon that witness or his or her testimony..."
http://www.azcourts.gov/mediaroom/camerasincourt.aspx
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17A A.R.S. Sup.Ct.Rules, Rule 122.1
Rule 122.1. Use of Portable Electronic Devices in a Courthouse
"(a) Purpose. This rule specifies the permitted and prohibited uses of portable electronic devices in a courthouse. A court must use reasonable means to advise courthouse visitors of the provisions of this rule. A violation of this rule may be punishable as contempt.
(b) Definitions. The following definitions apply in this rule:
(1) A portable electronic device is a mobile device capable of electronically storing, accessing, or transmitting information. The term encompasses, among other things, a transportable computer of any size, including a tablet, a notebook, and a laptop; a smart phone, a cell phone, or other wireless phone; a camera and other audio or video recording devices; a personal digital assistant (PDA); other devices that provide internet access; and any similar items....
(1) In a courtroom: In a courtroom, no one may use a portable electronic device to take photographs or for audio or video recording
unless that use is allowed under Rule 122...
http://www.sc.pima.gov/Portals/0/Library/Comm/Rule 122.1 Electronic Devices effective 1-1-14.pdf
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"...Attorneys, parties and members of the public may use their devices in courtrooms to download or save information, to gain access to the Internet or to send and receive information, email or text messages. But they may not use them for making or receiving phone calls...."
http://arizonafoi.com/ariz-supreme-court-outlines-smartphone-use-in-courtrooms/
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Cathy ‏@courtchatter 3h3 hours ago
Correction to my prev tweet. Judge at yest hearing said VIDEO & trans would be available after trial of "secret" testimony of #JodiArias