In this Feb. 1, 1996 memorandum of decision, Justice Herbert Wilkins denies courtroom camera coverage in the John Salvi abortion bombing case. Justice Wilkins said that camera coverage should be allowed unless there is a specific, special reason not to allow it. He gave two reasons why cameras should be banned in this case:
1. The threat of harm feared by abortion clinic employee-witnesses and families of the deceased victims if their faces are shown on television; and
2. Salvi's outbursts in court when the camera was present.
"Implicitly," the judge wrote, "the rule [to permit cameras in Massachusetts courts] requires a limitation or suspension of media coverage only to the extent necessary to eliminate the substantial likelihood of harm or other serious consequence"
