X. Restrictions on participants in litigation

Idaho trial judges have inherent authority to issue orders to control proceedings in their courtrooms.  To that end, trial courts have issued gag orders prohibiting all parties involved in high-profile criminal proceedings from discussing the case with members of the press.  See, e.g., State v. Gray, 129 Idaho 784, 801, 932 P.2d 907, 924 (Idaho App. Ct. 1997).

Pretrial proceedings and records of those proceedings are open to the public, unless the court determines dissemination of information would create a clear and present danger to the fairness of the trial and the prejudicial effect of the information on trial fairness cannot be avoided by any reasonable alternative means.  § 46-11-701 MCA.

There are no reported Virginia cases addressing gag orders.