Editor’s Note: Welcome to KDKA’s blog on the Dr Cyril Wecht trial. Because there’s only limited time on the air to talk about testimony, this page will go more in-depth in the hopes of giving you a better idea of what’s happening, and also discuss other observations made in court. It will serve as a supplement to our on-air coverage. If you have a question about the trial, email me at mleaf@kdka.com and I'll do my best to answer it.
The best way to start this blog, I think is to paint a picture of what it’s like inside US District Court. If you’ve never been here, the building is located at 700 Grant Street where the old Post Office is. You walk through the doors and it’s marble everywhere! Unlike at Allegheny County Court, laptops and cell phones are allowed inside the courtroom for the press to use during the trial. However, cameras and recorders must be held by security.
The case of Dr. Wecht is being heard on the 7th floor by Judge Arthur Schwab. When you walk in the room, you’ll notice more marble and lots of wood paneling. There are also assorted quilts hanging to give it perhaps a cozier feel. Of course, if you’re on trial here…there’s nothing cozy about it.
There are two long wooden benches for the public to sit, and along the back there are two shorter benches for the media and US Marshals. During the afternoon session, the public rows are not always full.
To the right of the entrance is the jury box. The six men, six woman and alternates all sit in cushy-looking blue chairs and take up two long rows there are monitors for them to look at exhibits.
To the left of the jury is the witness stand where the person answering questions can look directly at those who will make the decision.
Then of course, is Judge Schwab's bench. He has a couple of court reporters sitting nearby, as well as people who make sure the proper exhibits show up on the various monitors in the room.
Across from the stand are two rows of tables with computers for the lawyers, assistants and others. Those of us sitting in the back row have a hard time seeing these exhibits because there’s no monitor for the public to view.
But most of us in the press are busy frantically typing away; trying to keep up with the testimony. In fact, there are times it's hard to hear what's being said because of all the fingers pounding away on laptop keyboards. Most times you're so busy trying to get every single fact and detail documented, that it's difficult to even look up.
Dr. Wecht and his law team sit on the left side of the room. He's usually at the front table, between Dick Thornburg and Jerry McDevitt. The various prosecutors sit on the other side.
One thing I've noticed about the room is that the temperature is always chilly. In fact, in the first few days of this trial, I've noticed some of the jurors and others either wearing coats or bulkier sweaters to compensate for the lack of heat. I have no idea why they keep it so cold.
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