Richmond Newspapers, Inc. v. Virginia

During a 1976 Virginia murder prosecution against Stevenson, a series of mistrials occurred. Reporters Wheeler and McCarthy of Richmond Newspapers (plaintiff) were in the courtroom for Stevenson's fourth trial when defense counsel moved to exclude the public; the prosecution didn't object, and the trial judge closed the proceeding. Wheeler and McCarthy objected on First Amendment grounds and moved to intervene. The Virginia Supreme Court denied their motion, and the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari.