Will the Trial Be Televised?

Each trial presents unique evidence, witnesses, and expert testimonies, making it difficult to predict its duration. This particular trial is anticipated to last 6-8 weeks, although various factors could influence this timeframe.

The trial proceedings will be available via a webinar livestream. Should the webinar capacity be insufficient and staffing permit, an overflow courtroom will be provided with a live feed of the trial.

Jury selection, known as Voir Dire, is projected to span the initial two weeks of the trial. However, King County Superior Court’s policy prohibits livestreaming jury selection. Limited seating will be available in the gallery for the public and media representatives during this process, along with designated spaces for the families of both the defense and the State. Seating procedures will mirror those implemented during the trial itself.

To obtain trial transcripts, requests can be submitted to the King County Superior Court Clerk’s Office for a fee, as digital court recording is utilized in trial courtrooms.

While the trial is scheduled to operate Monday-Thursday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM, unforeseen circumstances such as witness unavailability or legal inquiries might necessitate recesses, potentially lasting from a few hours to a full day. These pauses may occur with minimal prior notice. Therefore, consistent in-session activity cannot be guaranteed for those wishing to attend.

Although the court will not record or rebroadcast the livestream, audio recordings of the proceedings will be accessible through the Superior Court Clerk’s office. Recording the webinar itself is prohibited.

The livestream will not display evidence presented to the jury. The court’s priority is maintaining an open courtroom, with livestreaming serving solely to enhance public access. Should the livestream encounter technical difficulties, the court will endeavor to restore it promptly. However, the decision to suspend court proceedings rests with the presiding judge.

The commencement and duration of jury deliberations remain uncertain until the trial progresses. The court cannot preemptively determine these factors.

Courtroom 3F accommodates 30 members of the public, who will be seated in the last five rows on the right side of the courtroom during the trial. Seating arrangements reflect the courtroom layout, with the prosecution positioned closest to the jury box on the left side. This side also accommodates additional personnel from the Attorney General’s Office and family members of Jesse Sarey. The defense side, situated on the right, includes defense attorneys, staff, and the defendant’s family.

Court personnel and judicial officers are prohibited from offering legal counsel or discussing judicial decisions outside of court hearings. Concerns regarding judicial decisions are addressed through the appeal process by the involved parties.