Steinle v. Lollis

This appeal is from an order of the circuit court affirming the action of the repondent, a magistrate, who had closed a preliminary hearing to members of the press. Closure of the hearing had been granted upon a motion by the defendant (not a party to this appeal) to which there was no objection by the State. Appellants objected to the motion, and thereafter sought writs of mandamus and prohibition from the circuit court. Relief was denied on the ground that members of the press and public have no constitutional right of access to a pretrial proceeding and thus have no basis to challenge…