Law Firm, Reporters Barred from Ill. Courtroom by Asbestos Judge Following Allegations of Corruption Made During Seminar

ST. LOUIS - A recent forum held to discuss asbestos litigation in Madison County, Ill., has ignited a firestorm of controversy, culminating in a judge's decision to bar reporters and members of a certain defense firm from his courtroom.

Responding to allegations of possible corruption encircling the county court's handling of asbestos claims, Madison County Circuit Court Judge Nicholas G. Byron took the unusual step of suggesting that he would expel any attorney from the Atlanta-based law firm of King & Spalding from participating in hearings held in his court.

Judge Byron issued the directive in response to comments …