A legal expert has provided insight into why Tyler Robinson’s defense team has petitioned for him to don civilian attire during court proceedings.
Tyler Robinson, aged 22, faces charges in connection with the death of Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old activist who was killed in public view last month.
Following a two-day pursuit, Robinson was apprehended and subsequently charged with aggravated murder, firearm offenses, and multiple counts of obstructing justice.
Robinson is currently detained without bail in a specialized unit at the Utah County Jail. He made his initial court appearance on September 16, clad in an anti-suicide vest.
Given the multiple court appearances set for Robinson in the upcoming months, his attorney has asked for permission to have him wear civilian clothes and for the removal of his shackles.
A legal document addressed to District Judge Tony Graf stated: “In the face of worldwide scrutiny, permitting Mr Robinson to wear civilian clothing for court appearances is a minor inconvenience compared to the already present concerns with securing a fair trial before an impartial jury.”
The document also expressed apprehensions about jurors possibly being biased by Robinson’s prison attire, suggesting it could “inevitably lead to prosecutive juror perception that he is guilty and deserving of death.”
Judge Graf agreed to allow Robinson to appear in civilian clothing but mandated that he remain restrained.
“The safety of Mr Robinson, the attorneys, court staff, and the public must remain the court’s highest priority,” he explained concerning his decision to maintain Robinson’s restraints.
Jeffrey S. Stephens, an attorney, has shared insights into the rationale behind the defense team’s request.
In an interview, Stephens remarked, “Defense counsel always prefer that their clients wear street clothes rather than prison attire so a jury is not predisposed to thinking of them as criminals.”
He described this as ‘ironic’ since defendants “have obviously been charged with a crime, although they are innocent until proven guilty.”
He further elaborated on why some judges might prefer defendants to stay in prison attire: “Different judges hold different views. In many instances, they want it made clear that the defendant in a serious case is not out on bail, but is currently incarcerated pending the outcome of the trial, and therefore is required to wear prison attire.”
“More liberal jurists allow those defendants to wear street clothes to avoid the potential prejudice mentioned above,” Stephens added.
According to BBC, Robinson’s forthcoming court appearance is slated for January 16.