Sixth Circuit weighs right for public to see Michigan court recordings
A federal appeals court grappled on Wednesday with whether to revive a lawsuit seeking to release Michigan courtroom audio from a hearing in which a judge allegedly verbally abused a defendant, after the state court only released a transcript of the proceeding.
TL;DR
- A federal appeals court heard arguments on whether to revive a lawsuit demanding the release of Michigan courtroom audio.
- The lawsuit stems from allegations that a judge verbally abused a defendant during a plea hearing.
- The state court released only a transcript, prompting the lawsuit to seek the audio recording.
- The plaintiff claims the judge exhibited "extremely unfair and intemperate conduct."
- The audio is sought to inform voters and argue that blocking its release violates the First Amendment.