Sarasota Herald-Tribune v. State

ALTENBERND, Judge.

The Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Tampa Tribune, and WFLA-TV News Channel 8 (the Media) petition this court to review an order entered by the trial court that attempts to protect the privacy interests of jurors who are currently serving in the criminal trial of Joseph P. Smith. Mr. Smith stands accused of having murdered Carlie Brucia. The case has attracted extraordinary media interest. The trial court’s order also attempts to protect Mr. Smith’s right to receive a fair trial by jury, uninfluenced by matters or persons outside the courtroom. The Media challenges the order,…