The trial of 160 accused anti-abortion demonstrators next month promises to provide some real theater for those in attendance, so it's only fitting that the drama will be played out on a stage.
With no courtroom big enough to accommodate that many defendants at one time, the massive trial, set for June 5, is being moved to the 300-seat Jaeb Theater at the Tampa Performing Arts Center. County Judge James D. Arnold toured his future courtroom Friday.The defendants get the choice seats closest to the stage. Name tags for the defendants are being made so the two defense attorneys in the case can identify their own clients.
The press corps will get a second-level balcony vantage point. Television camera crews seem the most excited. Rarely do they find such available lighting and fine acoustics.
Dressing rooms are being redesignated: Two will be men's and women's restrooms, and others will be a jury room for deliberations and a conference room for the judge and lawyers.
Opening day promises to bring a full house as the defendants rub elbows with 100 potential jurors who will be bused to the theater. Six will be chosen to hear the case.
Until the jury is selected, only 40 seats will be open to the public, minus those occupied by reporters.
The tab to taxpayers for the trial hasn't been figured out. The trial is expected to take a week but could go longer. Court officials say there is a $4,000 a week flat rate for using Jaeb Theater.