Theater shooting defense: Ban TV camera in court

September 05, 2014 21:37 GMT

DENVER (AP) -- Attorneys for Colorado theater shooting defendant James Holmes are asking the judge to bar television coverage inside the courtroom, saying it would violate Holmes' right to a fair trial.

In a filing released Friday, defense lawyers argued that televising the trial could intimidate witnesses, expose jurors and attorneys to death threats and create other problems.

They said broadcasting the trial would be entertainment, not education, and it wouldn't improve the public's impression of the court system.

A group of television and radio broadcasters asked the judge last month to permit a single TV camera and an audio system in the courtroom during the trial, scheduled to start Dec. 8.

Holmes pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to charges of killing 12 people and injuring 70 in the 2012 attack.