Justices Weigh Transcripts Issue

Attorneys for media organizations interested in publishing the contents of transcripts released mistakenly from a closed hearing in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case made their final arguments Wednesday in writing to the Colorado Supreme Court.

Justices from the high court had the brief shortly after noon, but a court clerk was unsure when a ruling would come, saying, “It could be today, tomorrow or next week. I can’t give you an exact time frame.”

Transcripts of the June 21-22 hearing in Eagle County Court were e-mailed to seven media organizations by a court reporter, who said she intended to send them to the judge and attorneys in the case. The Times is one of the news organizations that received the transcripts.

Judge Terry Ruckriegle, who is presiding over the case, issued an order forbidding that information from the transcripts be published. Media attorneys say the order is unconstitutional.

Attorney Steve Zansberg, who represents the media groups, said the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision could be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The hearings consisted primarily of testimony from a DNA expert hired by Bryant’s attorneys. The defense has questioned the accuser’s credibility, saying in open court that she had multiple sex partners in the days surrounding her encounter with Bryant.

Also Wednesday, the prosecution and attorneys for the alleged victim filed motions requesting that Ruckriegle deny a request by Court TV to televise the trial, scheduled to begin Aug. 27.

-- Steve Henson