A story in Friday's editions of the Contra Costa Times included comments sharply critical of Lamorinda Patch and its coverage of the case of Michael Merrick, a Stanley Middle School teacher in custody on 17 felony counts of sexual misconduct with a minor.
The story, written by Times reporter Malaika Fraley and published under copyright, detailed a request for closure of all future "substantive" hearings by county prosecutor Johanna Schonfield and former prosecutor Richard Madsen, currently hired by the victim's family.
Judge Clare Maier's decision to grant the request for closure was reported in a story Jan. 18.
Today's Times story said court officials and observers regard the judge's decision as "largely unprecedented in Contra Costa County's criminal courts."
