Blagojevich Judge Won't Release Juror Names Because of those Darn Bloggers and Facebookers

The Ward Room over at NBC News in Chicago reports that the judge in the Rod Blagojevich corruption trial announced that juror names would not be released because of bloggers and social media sites like Facebook. After journalists challenged the judge's decision, the Court of Appeals ruled that the judge will have to hold a hearing on the issue -- which is set for next week.

I understand the judge's concern over protecting the jurors, and thus, the integrity of our legal system. But the former journalist in me struggles to accept this kind of ruling as beneficial for the public at large. Ensuring freedom of the press -- particularly on a matter of important political and public concern -- also preserves and protects the integrity of the system.

The Chicago Tribune also ran a good summary on the issue here.