Local Interest in Attending Trial
By: Kevin Flanigan
Updated: June 15, 2012
BELLEFONTE, CENTRE COUNTY - While there has been a lot of attention paid to the Sandusky trial from the news media, public interest in attending the trial in Bellfonte has been limited.
To make sure the public has a place in the courthouse for the criminal trial of Jerry Sandusky, the Court Administration in Centre County has set aside 85 seats for the public. Many of those Courtroom passes have been going unclaimed.
Still because those seats are given out on a first come, first served basis, a few people have been lining up early when they have a particular interest in the case. Other members of the public heading into the Courthouse had specific reasons for attending the high profile trial. Matt Bodenschatz, first in line to attend on Thursday says he is attending as an adult abuse survivor and to support those testifying against Sandusky. He is also concerned about the wider effects of the trial.
Other members of the public chose to attend out of general curiosity about the proceedings. To attend the trial, members of the public have to appear at the Bellfonte Courthouse before the start of the proceedings at 9 a.m. and show a picture identification to claim a Courtroom pass good for the day. Some of those already attending say it can be an emotional experience to spend the day in the Courtroom.
To make sure the public has a place in the courthouse for the criminal trial of Jerry Sandusky, the Court Administration in Centre County has set aside 85 seats for the public. Many of those Courtroom passes have been going unclaimed.
Still because those seats are given out on a first come, first served basis, a few people have been lining up early when they have a particular interest in the case. Other members of the public heading into the Courthouse had specific reasons for attending the high profile trial. Matt Bodenschatz, first in line to attend on Thursday says he is attending as an adult abuse survivor and to support those testifying against Sandusky. He is also concerned about the wider effects of the trial.
Other members of the public chose to attend out of general curiosity about the proceedings. To attend the trial, members of the public have to appear at the Bellfonte Courthouse before the start of the proceedings at 9 a.m. and show a picture identification to claim a Courtroom pass good for the day. Some of those already attending say it can be an emotional experience to spend the day in the Courtroom.
