Texas Court to Review Order Letting Camera in Jury Room

Texas’ top appeals court said Wednesday it will review a judge’s decision to allow a camera record jury deliberations of a capital murder trial.

State District Judge Ted Poe ruled last month that a camera from the PBS documentary series “Frontline” could record the entire murder trial of 17-year-old Cedric Harrison, including jury selection and deliberations.

Harris County Dist. Atty. Chuck Rosenthal appealed to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, saying that allowing a camera in the jury room would fundamentally change the judicial process by invading what traditionally is a secret process.

After requesting a response from Poe to objections raised by Rosenthal, the Austin-based appeals court scheduled oral arguments for Jan. 15.

The general counsel for the court, Richard Wetzel, said Poe and Rosenthal each will get the standard 20 minutes to present arguments. He said “Frontline” will not address the court.

“They are not an official party any more than Mr. Harrison is,” Wetzel said of “Frontline.”

Jury selection in Harrison’s trial is on hold pending a ruling by the appellate court. He is accused of fatally shooting Felix G. Sabio II, 35, on June 2 outside Sabio’s apartment. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.