Opening arguments begin today

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The public and the press will be excluded from some proceedings in the Donald Blom kidnapping and murder trial. The jury is due to hear opening statements today. Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports. { Judge Gary Pagliacetti ruled Tuesday that he will close the trial to the public during certain arguments when the jury is not present. That unusual move was opposed by three newspapers and a television station. Mark Wernick, president of the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, says it's a move to ensure a fair trial, specifically so the jury will base its verdict solely on evidence presented in court and not what they may hear, even inadvertently, in the media or from friends. .

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