Constitutional Law

Blagojevich juror names to stay secret until verdict

By By The Associated Press

CHICAGO ? The federal judge in former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's corruption trial has denied a news-media request for immediate access to the names of jurors.

U.S. District Judge James B. Zagel ruled yesterday that he would release the names only after a verdict is reached.

He says releasing the names could expose jurors to unwanted calls, e-mails and messages from Blagojevich detractors and supporters.

Attorneys for news organizations have argued that the First Amendment presumes juror names are public and there is no justification for withholding them.

Zagel previously refused to release the names, but the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered him to hear the issue again.

Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to charges that include scheming to sell an appointment to President Barack Obama's old Senate seat.

Full post as published by First Amendment Center on July 26, 2010 (boomark / email).