FORT WORTH -- Visiting Judge Elizabeth Berry, who issued a sweeping gag order on news coverage of a capital murder trial on Friday, scaled back restrictions imposed in her courtroom early Monday.
Prior to the start of a hearing scheduled to allow the Star-Telegram to challenge the original order, Berry released a revised list of courtroom restrictions. This order says nothing except that which occurs in open court may be reported by the news media.
The initial order stated that only information discussed in front of the jury could be reported.
Download First Amended Courtroom Conduct Order
Berry's amended order also says that media interviews are not allowed in courtrooms, hallways or other areas around Criminal District Court Number 4-- where she is presiding over the capital murder trial of Kwame Rockwell of Fort Worth.
Her initial order said interviews had to be conducted in the lobby or outside the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center.
Although the order was revised early Monday, the scheduled hearing went on for about 20 minutes as Fort Worth attorney Tom Williams, representing the Star-Telegram, discussed further details with Judge Berry.
-- Anna M. Tinsley
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