Supreme Court says video testimony OK in trial

GRAND RAPIDS (AP) -- The Michigan Supreme Court says the rights of a convicted sex offender were not violated when two out-of-town witnesses testified by video. The court's 5-2 decision last Thursday overturns a ruling by the Michigan appeals court. James Buie claimed his right to confront witnesses was violated during a trial in Kent County. Republicans on the Supreme Court say there was no objection placed on the record during the trial. Buie's attorney agreed to have the witnesses appear by live video because she still could cross-examine them. Justice Diane Hathaway only agreed with the result of the Supreme Court case. Justices Marilyn Kelly and Michael Cavanagh say the convenience of video doesn't trump the rights of criminal defendants. Buie is serving a life sentence. Published: Mon, May 28, 2012