Va. judge rules Black defendant can’t get a fair trial in courtroom largely featuring portraits of White judges Justin Jouvenal A Fairfax County judge has ruled that a Black defendant can’t get a fair trial in a courtroom decorated overwhelmingly with portraits of White judges and has ordered the paintings to be removed for the man’s upcoming legal proceeding. Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge David Bernhard wrote in an opinion issued late Monday that the portraits of past judges from the Fairfax County Circuit Court could create the impression that the court is biased. Bernhard wrote that he won’t allow any portraits to be on display for any trial he presides over.
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Judge in Virginia rules Black defendant can t get a fair trial in courtroom largely featuring portraits of White judges
Justin Jouvenal, The Washington Post
Dec. 22, 2020
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1of3In 2013, then-defense attorney David Bernhard questions a witness during a murder trial. A portrait of a judge is seen behind him.Washington Post photo by Nikki Kahn.Show MoreShow Less
2of3During a 2013 trial, defense attorney Alberto Salvado, left, and Casey Lingan, chief deputy of the Commonwealth s Attorney Fairfax County Judicial Center, confer during a break in a murder trial.Washington Post photo by Nikki Kahn.Show MoreShow Less