When David J. Remondini traded his reporter’s notebook for a legal pad, he brought his media experience with him as a new member of the bar. Indiana judges have found invaluable this merger of journalism and law. He has exhibited a special talent for assisting judges presiding over trials in the media spotlight. Most recently he acted as media spokesman for Judge Christopher Burnham, Morgan Superior Court 2, in the trial of Jill Behrman’s accused murderer.
Remondini serves as the Chief Deputy Executive Director of the Supreme Court’s Division of State Court Administration. He has acted as a media liaison for local courts for some high profile trials. His involvement allows judges and court staff to concentrate on the proceedings and helps judges protect the integrity of the trial.
The role of an on-site media liaison is to provide information to the press, and to do the following:
- Provide the media with a single point of contact;
- Keep the media from interfering with and potentially endangering the integrity of the trial; and
- Relieve the trial judge, and the court staff, from the day-to-day management and responsibility of dealing with the media.
Part of successfully dealing with media requests during a high-profile trial includes understanding their needs. “When I was a reporter, I often noticed that some judges didn’t seem to appreciate the pressure on reporters concerning the inflexibility of deadlines. Plus, it may seem simple, but TV needs to film something. Judges have to understand that and try to accommodate,” Remondini said. “We have a checklist of things to remember in high-profile trials. We can provide outside help. Our trial courts do not have to go it alone when the media rolls into town.”
Tips and Tools
Judges should prepare before a high-profile trial begins, Remondini said, by considering all of the legal and logistical needs of those involved. A court should issue a pre-trial order outlining procedures that will aid the media and assist everyone involved.
- Technology, Technology, Technology – Use your Website
- Post trial updates and schedules
- Post documents online instead of faxing or emailing them
- Post a list of potential witnesses scheduled for the next day.
- Post notices on holidays
- Post court orders
- Assistance – senior judges can offer ideas, and help with the regular caseload. The Judicial Center can also provide assistance.
- Preparation – there may be profile stories about you. Have a headshot and bio ready.
- Parking – plan for media parking and accommodate regular courthouse business.
- Seating – determine courtroom seat assignments.
- Facilities – plan for adequate restroom facilities. Have a list prepared of local eating-places. Designate areas where the media can make phone calls and where TV crews can set up cameras.
Benefits of Good Media Relations
While the OJ Simpson trial is an example of how things can go wrong in presiding over notorious trials, it also provides valuable lessons about what not to do, according to Remondini.
“The judicial community has a better understanding of how to deal with notorious trials because of what happened in the Simpson case. It was a learning experience because of the lessons it taught judges. Judges understand what might be in store and realize that they need extra help with a high-profile trial,” Remondini said.
“Our goal is not to coddle or make the media’s job easier. A defendant has the right to a fair trial. The public has a right to know. Media attention creates added pressure on the courts, and a media coordinator helps to insure that justice is served on both counts,” Remondini said.
When rules and procedures are clearly spelled out and courts communicate regularly with members of the media, problems can be avoided. The result is a smoother trial proceeding.
“In any trial, no matter how well you plan or work, something will go wrong. If you have established good communication channels, it can help you address things quickly. Proper trial management in notorious trials can yield benefits beyond the end of any one case. Managing a trial correctly leads to a positive image of the judiciary,” added Remondini.
If a trial court judge would like to utilize the assistance of a media coordinator, you must initiate the process by writing a letter of request to Chief Justice Randall Shepard.
Our courts have done well in this regard. The Hoosier State Press Association generally gives high marks to Indiana judiciary’s handling of high profile trials.