Buffer zone for Karen Learn homicide trial will stay in place, Mass. SJC guidelines

A 200-foot buffer zone across the Norfolk Superior Courthouse in Dedham {that a} decide applied for the high-profile Karen Read murder trial will stay in place, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court docket dominated.

Catch up on everything that has happened so far in the Karen Read murder trial

Decide Beverly Cannone ordered the buffer zone on the request of the Norfolk District Lawyer’s Workplace to limit using megaphones and protect jurors from outdoors influences.

For a few yr main as much as the trial, Learn supporters gathered on the sidewalk in entrance of the courthouse, holding signage with messages like, “Free Karen Learn” and “Framed.” Her pretrial hearings had been additionally filled with spectators, however that has since modified with the trial being held in a smaller courtroom on the request of Learn’s attorneys.

After Cannone introduced the buffer zone order, the SJC accredited her ruling, however Learn supporters filed a motion arguing that it violates constitutional law, particularly their proper to freedom of speech.

A number of supporters tried to intervene to train their First Modification rights outdoors the trial. The American Civil Liberties Union additionally questioned if smaller measures were explored earlier than the DA’s workplace requested for the buffer zone.

In courtroom paperwork dated Could 2, 2024, the SJC issued an opinion affirming its earlier approval of the buffer zone.

“In the end, the trial decide struck a stability between the fitting to protest or exhibit and the defendant’s proper to a good trial. Because the Commonwealth notes, it too has the fitting to, and an curiosity within the defendant receiving a good trial,” the opinion learn. “For the foregoing causes, we issued an order on April 26, 2024, affirming the judgment.”

Karen Learn has been charged with second-degree homicide and different expenses within the 2022 demise of Officer John O’Keefe.

Karen Read Buffer Zone Opinion From SJC 4 2 24 by Boston 25 Desk on Scribd

This can be a growing story. Examine again for updates as extra info turns into out there.

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