When people demonstrate outside the high-profile Karen Read trial set to begin this month in Dedham, Massachusetts, they'll need to keep 200 feet away from the courthouse, a judge ruled Thursday.
The ruling is something of a compromise — prosecutors had sought a 500-foot buffer zone, while people who plan to protest told a judge they believed that restricting the protest would violate their First Amendment rights.
Norfolk Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone noted in her ruling establishing the 200-foot buffer zone that exposing prospective jurors to protests could risk Read's right to a fair trial, writing, "In this case, it is well documented that protestors have shouted at witnesses and confronted family members of the victim. Individuals have also taken to displaying materials which may or may not be introduced into evidence during trial, and airing their opinions as to the guilt or innocence of the defendant on their clothing or on signage. Witnesses intimidation has also been a prevalent issue in this case."
Cannone also announced that, inside the courthouse in Dedham, while the trial is going on, no one will be allowed "to wear or exhibit any buttons, photographs, clothing, or insignia" having to do with the Read case.
She also banned law enforcement uniforms inside the courtroom, both for people testifying and people sitting in the audience.
The ruling came hours after a hearing on the matter, in which prosecutors argued that a 500-foot buffer zone for protestors was needed not to infringe on the First Amendment right but to protect the jury. They said it was important to have a fair and impartial jury for this case.
They argued that there are "parties that want to try and see if they can influence the jury inappropriately in this case."
An attorney for Read said her team doesn't control the protesters who are frequently seen outside the court: "This has been an organic movement that arose because ordinary citizens were made aware of the case and apparently agreed with us that the prosecution of Karen Read is unjust."
While Read is appreciative of the support she has received, her lawyer said the team would not take a position on the matter, which was between the commonwealth and the court.
More on the Karen Read case
Marc Randazza, an attorney for supporters of Read, filed a motion earlier this week to fight the proposed restrictions on demonstrations. Supporters of Read have balked at the proposal, calling it a violation of First Amendment rights.
At the hearing, Cannone said a buffer zone was appropriate but that a 500-foot restriction was too excessive.
Read is accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend in 2022. Her lawyers have alleged that she is being framed amid a massive coverup, which the prosecution has denied.
