Bernie Fine related case could land in Syracuse
As the judge entered the courtroom protocol dictated we all stand. As Justice Brian DeJoseph took his seat on the bench those of us seated in the public area took our seats. The attorneys remained standing until the judge gave them the cue it was alright to sit. The good nature of the judge became quickly apparent.
In his 31 years on the bench the graduate of the Syracuse University has developed a reputation for fairness. He came prepared to this Change of Venue hearing in the defamation lawsuit against Jim Boeheim and Syracuse University. He was familiar with the legal citations in the briefs. He offered the floor to Maryann Wang from New York as she explained to the fan of the Syracuse Orange, who was wearing the black robe, how big Jim Boeheim is in Onondaga County. The judge kindly corrected her when she told him Upstate Hospital is connected in some way to Syracuse University.
Wang conceded to me after the hearing that Judge DeJoseph seemed thoughtful in his consideration of the case. So thoughtful he rejected her attempt to draw a tight connection to the Change of Venue proceeding in the Jerry Sandusky/Penn State case. DeJoseph pointed out the attorneys for Sandusky failed in their attempt to change the venue. He also quietly noted State College, Pennsylvania is a different community than Syracuse.
The judge politely allowed both sides to present and rebut. He then promised a decision by late Wednesday. He may have tipped his hand a bit when he explained to attorneys how he would like future briefs presented to the court.
Considering the publicity that has surrounded this case and the high stakes nature of the proceeding Judge Brian DeJoseph's relaxed demeanor set everyone at ease. Wednesday we'll learn whether he will continue to preside over the only case to come to court in the investigation of Bernie Fine.
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