UPDATE: Calif. App. Ct. Finds Judge's Photo Ban May Lack 'Merritt'

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The California Court of Appeal has pressed Superior Court Judge Hilleri Merritt either to lift her prior restraint on Los Angeles Times photographer Al Seib and allow publication of  his photographs of murder defendant Alberd Tersargyan taken in open court or show cause why her order should remain in effect. [See "TUOL" post 8/6/10.]

 Oral arguments were heard today by the appellate panel and any decision will be deferred for a couple of weeks to allow both sides to submit supporting documents.  In ordering Judge Merritt to rescind her ban, the appellate court cited established First Amendment cases that prohibit prior restraint on publications.