R. Kelly judge to press: Thanks for the memory

The judge in R. Kelly’s ongoing criminal trial has refused to allow the media access to documents in the case, citing concerns that doing so could jeopardize Kelly’s right to a fair trial.

Kelly is facing charges that he videotaped himself having sex with girls as young as 13. The Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune,  Associated Press and Chicago Public Radio had argued for release of the documents produced during closed-door portions of the trial as a means of ensuring that the public’s constitutional right to observe the judicial process is satisfied.

While the judge turned down the request, he did wax on a bit about the media’s important role — outside of his courtroom, at least.

"If it wasn’t for the press, we wouldn’t have the type of justice we have today," Gaughan said in court, according to the Sun-Times report. "Nobody wants to inhibit the press."

Nice sentiment, ay?