State v. Cox
Annotate this CaseAfter a jury trial, Defendant was convicted of two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy and two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. Defendant appealed, arguing that his right to a public trial was violated by the district court's decision to clear the courtroom while photographs of the victims' genitalia were displayed and discussed. The Supreme Court reversed the convictions and remanded for a new trial, holding (1) the district court violated Defendant's constitutional right to a public trial by closing the courtroom during display and discussion of photographs of the victims' genitalia; and (2) because the district judge failed to articulate the interests at stake or the alternative considered, the Court was prevented from conducting a proper review and reversal was required.
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