NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Star faces a legal challenge concerning the publication of writings attributed to the Covenant shooter, with a hearing scheduled by Chancellor l’Ashea Myles. The hearing, slated for Monday morning, aims to address potential court violations related to the leaked materials.
Legal Arguments and Court Orders
The attorney representing The Tennessee Star argues that Chancellor Myles’ decision to proceed with the hearing may violate Tennessee’s Shield Law and other constitutional protections. The publication contends that the court’s actions deprive them of due process and wrongly invoke contempt laws.
The Chancellor had denied The Tennessee Star’s request to dismiss the hearing, expressing a need to examine the circumstances surrounding the leak and assess any infringements of existing court orders. Currently, the journals in question have not been released by Metro Police.
Reaction from Advocacy Groups
Deborah Fisher, Executive Director of the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government, criticized the potential implications of the court’s stance. She expressed concern over the judiciary possibly penalizing a media entity for legally obtaining and publishing information.
I was shocked, Fisher remarked. She emphasized the perceived threat to press freedom and due process, reflecting broader concerns within the media and legal communities.
Recent Developments in Metro Police Handling
In a related development, a Metro Police lieutenant filed an order detailing the transfer of the Covenant investigative file to the Office of Professional Accountability. Lieutenant Garet Davidson, previously involved in the handling of this sensitive material, has been at the center of controversy following allegations of departmental misconduct.
Davidson, who no longer serves with Metro Police, was identified as the sole individual entrusted with securing the file in a locked safe, as per recent court filings.
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