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Denver Post
Bryant's attorneys push for secrecy
Tuesday, December 02, 2003 -
DENVER — Kobe Bryant’s defense team agreed with prosecutors Tuesday, saying some court documents in the NBA star’s upcoming sexual assault trial should be sealed from public view.
In court filings, attorney Pamela Mackey said state District Judge Terry Ruckriegle should require both sides to file evidence-related documents under seal to avoid influencing potential jurors.
As an alternative, she said, the judge could have both sides file bare-bones documents for public review but submit more detailed discussions in separate, sealed documents.
Bryant, 25, faces four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation if convicted of felony sexual assault. The Los Angeles Lakers star is accused of attacking a 19-year-old worker at a mountain resort where he was staying June 30. He is free on $25,000 bond.
On a separate issue, Mackey said the defense doesn’t object to media requests to have photographers in the courthouse hallway and at the entrance to the building for a Dec. 19 hearing. She said she opposes a request to place a photographer inside the courtroom.
State court rules prohibit cameras inside a courtroom in criminal-case pretrial hearings except for arraignments and advisement hearings, Mackey said. The Dec. 19 hearing was scheduled for arguments on several issues including whether the accuser’s medical records can be used as evidence.
The judge has not ruled on the photography requests or the document-filing request.
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