New Orleans judge refuses request to open Tom Benson case to media, public
 

"Orleans Parish Civil District Court Judge Kern Reese on Friday denied a request to open his courtroom and any records filed in the Tom Benson mental competency case to the media and public.

Several news organizations covering the legal battle had called on Reese to reverse his earlier decision to seal the records and hold a trial in the case next week behind closed doors, saying the public had a legitimate interest in the actions and outcome of the case.

The court hearing and records are expected to contain significant information about Benson’s mental health and capacity provided by both medical professionals and lay people who have interacted with him.

An attorney for the media companies said Friday evening that they would ask the state 4th Circuit Court of Appeal to review Reese’s decision. They also have asked the appeals court to stop Monday’s trial. The court hadn’t responded to that request as of Friday evening.

Reese said he decided to affirm his earlier decision after weighing the right of the public to know how the owner of the Saints and the Pelicans has conducted his business affairs against Benson’s right to keep his medical information shielded from public view..."


Source: New Orleans judge refuses request to open Tom Benson case to media, public | Crime | The New Orleans Advocate — New Orleans, Louisiana

Re: New Orleans judge refuses request to open Tom Benson case to media, public
 

"In filings ahead of Wednesday’s hearing, set for 11 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Joseph Wilkinson Jr., Benson’s attorneys have said this is necessary to protect “highly sensitive and confidential information relating to his business operations and finances, including ... valuations of certain assets such as the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans.

“These are private business interests and their financial information is not in the public domain.”

One of the defendants in the lawsuit, Robert “Bobby” Rosenthal, opposes closing the proceedings — but not because Benson has received millions of dollars in subsidies from the state of Louisiana. In a pending motion, Rosenthal is challenging the New Orleans federal courthouse’s jurisdiction over him, in part because he resides in Texas, where the trusts he oversees were created."

Judge: Courtroom for remainder of New Orleans civil suit against Saints, Pelicans owner Tom Benson will be closed to public | NewOrleansNews | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Re: New Orleans judge refuses request to open Tom Benson case to media, public
 

of course not. if he was like the rest of us he would have everything on the 6 o'clock news. we just aint rich enough

Re: New Orleans judge refuses request to open Tom Benson case to media, public
 

As the stomach turns......:roll:

Re: New Orleans judge refuses request to open Tom Benson case to media, public
 

Fair enough.

Re: New Orleans judge refuses request to open Tom Benson case to media, public
 

Family + Money = Problems