The hearing could put competing arguments on display not just about the First Amendment protection of media outlets but also the extent to which judges can control conduct in their cases.
Those asking for the journal argue the open investigation is a formality at this point. The shooter was killed by police at the scene, and no other suspects have been identified.
Until this week, none of the writings had seen the light of day due to a legal battle over whether or not they should be made public.
The crowd, which included gun control advocates urging change in a Special Session after a deadly Nashville school shooting in March, shouted ‘fascists’ and ‘racists.’
Earlier this year, Tennessee’s GOP-dominated Statehouse refused to consider tightening the state’s relaxed gun laws.
‘We can create brighter tomorrows for our state so no other community has to endure the suffering.’
Republicans expelled Pearson and Rep. Justin Jones last week over their role in a gun control protest.
Most state legislatures have the power to expel members, but it is generally reserved as a punishment for lawmakers accused of serious misconduct, not used as a weapon against political opponents.
