Circuit Judge Ric Howard dismissed five more jurors this morning without giving the public a reason.
He called jurors and attorneys to the bench for private conversations. Afterward, jurors who are excused get escorted by security officers out of the courtroom.
It continues to be a questionable and troublesome practice that has become more frequent in recent days. About 20 potential jurors in the last two days were let go without the judge giving a legal cause.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys also refused to give a reason.
The media, as representatives of the public, objected to the practice Monday. But the judge yelled at an attorney for the Ocala Star-Banner to "sit down," telling her at one point "well, you are wrong."
Howard said yesterday that he is not "having secret court." He noted that the bench conferences are put on the record in the official transcript.
He insinuated that anyone who wants to know what's happening could read it. But its not that easy.
Earlier in the trial, Howard balked at the high cost of ordering a daily transcript for the court file, so none are being produced.
The Miami-Dade court reporter said an expedited transcript (available the next day) costs $8 a page. A typical day can produce well over 200 pages.
The significant cost means the public is in the dark as to what's happening during jury selection.
Follow the latest developments in the murder trial of John Couey as compiled and reported by the staff of the St. Petersburg Times and tampabay.com.
I am not sure what business it is of the media as to why someone is excused. If you really want to know, have your paper pay for the transcripts! Lord knows the Times can afford it.
Posted by: trish | February 27, 2007 at 01:41 PM
These bench conferences are part of the system, and are needed. There could be a reason for the juror to be dismissed which, if made public, could potentially sway the minds of other jurors and thus cause a domino effect among jurors. The silence is for the jurors, not for the media/public. What is funny is that the media is shocked that the state wont pay for daily transcripts, but never considers all these media outlets chipping in to getting a daily transcript they can share. Who is making millions and billions of dollars? Not the judicial system of Florida.
Posted by: george | February 27, 2007 at 01:02 PM
Why should I care what happens during jury selection? Is there something I can do about it?
Posted by: Howard | February 27, 2007 at 11:06 AM