Standard-Examiner: Judge Won't Sign Gag Order

Ruling: Extrajudicial statements are already governed by the provisions of the Utah Rules of Professional Conduct

As a followup to the 2/11/12 story, reporting that the prosecution had requested a gag order in the Matthew Stewart shootings matter, the Standard-Examiner reports that 2d District Court Judge Hyde has finally gotten around to ruling on the prosecution's motion:

• Judge won't sign gag order

Judge Hyde's ruling is spot-on, wethinks, inasmuch as (just as we opined on 3/7/12), extrajudicial statements are already governed by the provisions of Utah Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 3.6.

And while we're at it, let's not overlook Rule 3.8, which also imposes special obligations upon the prosecutor's office.

Comments anyone?