Abolitionist Law Center v. Mariani
ICAP represented a court-watching group in its challenge to the policy of a judge in Allegheny County, PA, prohibiting members of the public from virtually attending criminal court proceedings—even when the proceedings themselves were being conducted virtually due to the pandemic. The lawsuit prompted the President Judge of Pennsylvania's Fifth Judicial District to issue an administrative order directing all judges to provide the public with virtual access to all remotely conducted proceedings. After the issuance of that order, plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the suit.
ICAP has partnered with the ACLU of Pennsylvania to represent Plaintiff in this case.
Filings
- 3/26/21 – Administrative order issued by Fifth Judicial District President Judge mandating the provision of remote public access to remotely conducted proceedings
- 3/2/21 – Filed a complaint challenging the policy of a judge in Pennsylvania’s Fifth Judicial District prohibiting members of the public from virtually attending criminal court proceedings—even when the proceedings themselves are held virtually— and requiring them to enter the courthouse in order to watch a stream of the proceedings, as well as a motion for a preliminary injunction.