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Kobe Bryant trial open to cameras
Cameras will be in the courtroom when Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant is arraigned next week and during his rape trial, Judge Terry Ruckriegle ruled.
Ruckriegle granted a motion from several media organizations to allow a pool still camera and a video camera during the proceedings. Bryant did not oppose the cameras.
Cameras have not so far been allowed in the courtroom with Bryant since he was initially charged.
Bryant will be asked to enter a plea at his arraignment, which is likely to be on Tuesday or Wednesday, in Eagle, Colorado. Once he enters a plea, Colorado law requires that his trial begin within six months.
Bryant, whose Lakers trail a second-round playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs 2-0, is scheduled for a three-day pretrial motions hearing beginning Monday.
Hearings will begin next week behind closed doors. Without the press or public in the courtroom, Ruckriegle will hear final testimony and arguments on two pivotal issues in the case.
Prosecutors invoked Colorado's rape shield law to block Bryant's lawyers from introducing his accuser's sexual activity before or after she met Bryant. Bryant's lawyers say the evidence is relevant.
Bryant's lawyers want the judge to throw out Bryant's initial statement to detectives, which was captured on a hidden recording device.
Once Ruckriegle decided those matters, Bryant can be arraiged in open court.
Bryant, 25, was arrested July 4, after the alleged victim, a 19-year-old resident of Eagle, said he raped her. Her name has not been released.
Bryant admitted to having had consensual sex with the woman, but denies having raped her.
The trial could begin in August or September. |
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