This afternoon the judge kicked media out of Florida redistricting trial. GOP operatives testifying.

[madfloridian]

4. Amazing, isn't it. "keeps more than 500 pages of records from being publicly released"

"What transpires in a courtroom is public property. The public has a right to know what people testify about and evidence submitted to the court," said Rachel Fugate, a lawyer for the Sentinel.

"This is an extremely important case and if the testimony or evidence plays a part in the court’s determination, that is something the public should know."

Heffley was allowed to testify in the open for about two hours Thursday before the questions delved into the Data Targeting records, at which point Lewis ordered the court closed.

The ruling for now keeps more than 500 pages of records from being publicly released, evidence Bainter’s lawyer has argued has nothing to do with the Legislature’s map-drawing and will do unnecessary harm to his business and clients. The Florida Channel, the public television service, was also required to stop broadcasting the trial, which is in its second week.

It is unbelievable this can happen.