Two South Georgia counties Monday agreed to settle a lawsuit that alleged members of the public were being unconstitutionally prohibited from attending court proceedings.
The suit was filed last year by individuals who were relatives or friends of criminal defendants and who said they were turned away when trying to attend court in Ben Hill and Crisp counties. The suit was filed against the counties’ three Superior Court judges, the Crisp County sheriff and a number of courtroom bailiffs.
The counties previously sought to get the lawsuit dismissed, but in February, U.S. District Judge Louis Sands in Albany denied that request, ruling that Georgia courts should remain open to the public.
“Judge Sands has clearly stated that the public has a right to view court proceedings, and after a long and hard road, the judges in Ben Hill and Crisp counties have finally seen the light,” said Gerry Weber, a lawyer for the Southern Center for Human Rights, which represents the plaintiffs.
In August, the state Judicial Qualifications Commission issued an opinion that said a substantial number of Georgia courts had been violating the law by denying the public access to attend courtroom proceedings.
The settlement announced Monday must receive Sands’ approval. It says that members of the public will not be subjected to questioning and approval prior to entering court and that the counties will post signs outside courtrooms that inform the public of their right to observe court hearings.
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