Kids in Courtroom Defy Fair Trial Claim | Colorado Springs News

When Jerry Stinnett went on trial for child sexual exploitation, his lawyer panicked when schoolchildren walked into the courtroom—claiming their presence could sway jurors. But the judge saw they were just kids in normal clothes, not making a statement, and let them stay, citing open courtrooms. After conviction, Stinnett appealed, arguing the kids’ proximity unfairly prejudiced the jury. The Colorado Court of Appeals sided with the trial judge, ruling that Stinnett has no constitutional right to exclude the public and that the children’s presence alone didn’t violate his fair trial rights—juries can be instructed to focus only on evidence, not assumptions. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/50fe73b1bf771bd8