Video Would Prove Prop. 8 Trial Was Fair, Lawyers Argue

[William769]

A videotape of last year's Proposition 8 trial might be the best evidence available that it was conducted fairly, lawyers who want the recording made public argued today.

"The video is a unique way for the public to see and hear what happened in the courtroom," lawyer Theodore Boutrous told the judge in the case, according to live tweeting from the courtroom by the American Foundation for Equal Rights. Boutrous represents same-sex couples who challenged the 2008 ballot measure, which was overturned during the trial in question.

Since the trial concluded and Judge Vaughn Walker was subsequently outed as a gay man, "proponents have attacked the fairness of the trial," Boutrous argued. "They've tried to undermine the public's confidence in the judicial system."

The judge tried steering debate away from how releasing the tape would benefit the public. Boutrous argued the tape is part of the record of the trial and as such should be made public.

http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/08/29/Video_Would_Prove_Prop_8_Trial_Was_Fair_Lawyers_Argue/