Judge Says No To Rerun Of Simpson Trial

Citing the “circus atmosphere” of O.J. Simpson’s criminal trial, a judge Friday banned TV and still cameras, audio recording and even sketch artists from the ex-football great’s civil trial.

Superior Court Judge Hiroshi Fujisaki also upheld a broad gag order that prevents lawyers, parties and witnesses from discussing the case.

Lawyers for the media and families of slaying victims Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson pleaded in vain to have the wrongful death trial televised.

But Fujisaki, 60, said that in Simpson’s criminal trial last year “witnesses and counsel were unduly influenced by the presence of the camera … they played to the camera with gestures and outbursts.”

“It detracted from the dignity and decorum of the trial process,” he said.

Fujisaki said he barred still photographers and courtroom artists from the trial slated to begin Sept. 17 because they distract witnesses and make them self-conscious.

Media lawyer Kelli Sager called the decision a “tragedy.”

She said she will confer with her clients - including CNN, NBC, The Associated Press and Los Angeles Times - to decide whether to appeal.

Sager argued a camera was needed because “the public has a right to see these proceedings. … There is not even enough room (in the courtroom) to accommodate all the media, much less the interested public.”

Lawyer Floyd Abrams, who represents Court TV, said televising this trial would help “dispel suspicions” and ease cynicism caused by the criminal trial.