Sheppard v. Maxwell
United States Supreme Court
384 U.S. 333 (1966)
Relevant factsFree
Sheppard's (defendant) murder trial for his wife's death was engulfed by extraordinary media coverage, with police and prosecutors sharing evidence never presented at trial, reporters overtaking the courthouse, and jurors and witnesses routinely photographed and interviewed throughout; the trial judge took no steps to control media conduct, and Sheppard was convicted before seeking habeas relief.
IssueFree
Whether a judge's failure to take affirmative steps to reduce the prejudice caused by extensive pretrial publicity violates the defendant's right to trial by an impartial jury.