Spectators at a California murder trial were free to wear buttons bearing a photo of the victim in front of the jury, the Supreme Court ruled today, reports the Associated Press. The result favored prosecutors who said the buttons were a harmless expression of grief by family members at the trial of Mathew Musladin. Musladin, who is serving a prison term of 32 years to live, had successfully challenged his conviction in the 1994 shooting death of his estranged wife’s fiance.
Justice Clarence Thomas, writing for six justices, said the buttons did not deny Musladin his right to a fair trial. The other three justices also concurred with the court’s judgment, but did not join the opinion.
Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/11/AR2006121100338.html