University of Virginia Library

Judge Bars Reporter From Court,
Charges 'Irresponsible Journalism'

By Chris Donart
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

Charlottesville Judge Ralph P. Zehler
expelled a reporter for the Virginia
Weekly from Juvenile Court last
Wednesday, charging the newspaper with
"reckless and irresponsible journalism."

The American Civil Liberties Union
has accepted the case of the Virginia
Weekly, which is suing Mr. Zehler,
contending that "it is unconstitutional to
selectively exclude a newspaper from a
public hearing." The newspaper is also
challenging the constitutionality of a
judge denying a person the right to have
the results of his trial published.

Challenging Mr. Zehler's accusation of
"irresponsible journalism,' the newspaper staff
said it questioned to whom a newspaper should
be responsible.

Photo By Jim Massey

Jeff Bigelow

Reporter Barred From Court

Jeff Bigelow, the reporter who was expelled
from the courtroom, stated that the accusation
of "irresponsible journalism" was only one in a
series of abuses with which the Virginia Weekly
charges government and business officials. The
newspaper staff cites FBI harassment,
questioning and threats of libel suits by the
police, attempts by state officials to repress
state funds, seizure by Commonwealth's
officials of a camera used to photograph a
narcotics agent, and the University's refusal to
allow its sponsored speakers to appear on the
grounds as examples of these abuses.

Mr. Bigelow's dismissal occurred during a
hearing for five juveniles on 19
breaking-and-entering counts. The reporter
stated that Mr. Zehler requested him to leave
the courtroom after asking if any reporters
from the Virginia Weekly were present.

Mr. Zehler later stated that court sessions
covered by Virginia Weekly reporters are "not
reported accurately, and consequently the
public gets a distorted picture of what
occurred."

While leaving the courtroom, Mr. Bigelow
handed his notebook to another member of the
audience whom he did not know, who told the
court that he was also a University student.
When he declined to state whether he intended
to turn his notes over to the newspaper, Mr
Zehler also banned him from the
courtroom stating that he suspected his
motives.