While it seems like common sense already, the judge has barred ALL Patriots gear from the courthouse where Aaron Hernandez’s murder trial is taking place. The former New England tight end has pleaded not guilty to the murders, while additional hearings will proceed…
The prohibition of all Patriots gear in the courthouse is ONE of 28 rules that the judge implemented during the Hernandez proceedings.
via Boston Globe:
Judge E. Susan Garsh, in a court order filed on Friday, wrote, “No person wearing clothing, or a button or other object attached to clothing, or carrying an object that displays any Patriots or other NFL team logo, football-related insignia, or words and/or a photograph that relate in any way to this case will be permitted entry to the Fall River Justice Center during any phase of the trial.”
Garsh said she was setting ground rules for the public and the media during the trial to “ensure the safety and well-being of all trial participants. . . and the dignity of the proceedings,” as well as to follow court rules on media access.
The judge said that, once a jury has been selected, nine seats in the courtroom will be allocated to the defendant’s family or friends; nine to the victim’s family, friends, or victim witness advocate; three to camera operators; 20 to members of the news media; and 20 to other members of the public.
