We often discuss the need for preparation and research for any story. The same is true when you cover a trial. Preparation can save you, and/or add nice details to help put your readers inside the story, as you report and write. You also may discover a story or two while simply looking around.
I did this yesterday. Here's a look at what I did and why:
Introduced myself to Jason Frazier, the logistical liaison between the court and media. We have emailed and texted, so I wanted to introduce myself in person. Frazier showed me into the courtroom and discussed media protocol. He showed me where the camera is placed, where Court TV personnel will sit to broadcast the trial live and also showed me the media room — which is where other broadcast outlets will plug into the video feed in order to broadcast, as this is a pool situation.
I sketched out the layout of the courtroom and took photos so I know where people will sit and where the jury and alternate jurors will be. I counted chairs for capacity. I noted that the prosecution's table and their reserved seats (for family) are near to the juror box as well as the alternates. Kind of interesting and I will likely ask a jury expert for a story if this is a strategic move; not likely a full story, but that piece of information may find its way into a story on an uneventful in-court day. Maybe. In this case, the courtroom is the backdrop to the case and knowing certain details about it can help when you write to paint a word picture for your reader. In this case, there are busts that flank the judge's bench and a huge painting behind the bench that piqued my curiosity and I plan to do more reporting to tuck away for future use.
Introduced myself to the court clerks, who have been and are incredible resources —especially for me as I have to get court records emailed to me when I am not in Ohio. Court clerks are invaluable resources not just during trials, but when you need to find files or need help understanding something in the courts. I also pulled several older files to continue my research into the Rhoden and Wagners (more on that later).
PRO TIPS:
Don't be a jerk. Please and thank you — and waiting while court clerks and others are working — go a LONG way in source development. Trust me: Everything your parents taught you about treating people kindly pays off in this job.
Get people's names, jot them down so you remember them. Talk to folks using their name. And trust me: You will need a court clerk time and time again.
Phone and laptop: As I have noted in a previous post, Judge Randy Deering is not allowing any phones or laptops in the courtroom. So, I needed to determine where and how to store my devices. There is no good place to keep my laptop or phone in the courthouse. Nothing is secure. So both will likely stay in my car. Not ideal, but the Civil-War era courthouse is not equipped for modern-day needs.
Parking will be an issue. I noted that the parking lot/s around the courthouse are fenced. I can not park there and it appears the parking in front of the courthouse will be restricted. I will have to park a couple blocks away. This is important as it determines how early I need to get to the courthouse each morning and how long my walk will be in order to Tweet news or write on deadline.
Question for students:
How might you use tips here to inform your reporting in this class, specifically when you cover a speech or a press conference?
What questions do you have?