Pennsylvania’s highest court has put a stop to a local policy that allowed streaming of Philadelphia criminal trials over the internet.
The state Supreme Court in an order dated Thursday halted the pandemic-prompted policy.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner asked the justices earlier this week to put an end to criminal trials on YouTube, arguing the online broadcasts could prompt witness or juror intimidation and let viewers record the proceedings.
Philly’s court system began livestreaming a homicide trial last week, in the case of a 2019 shooting.
Pennsylvania generally prohibits recording judicial proceedings.
Krasner had previously suggested holding trials in courtrooms large enough to permit adequate socially distancing. He’s said viewers could also be accommodated with video via closed circuit television within the courthouse.
