Fulton judge's YouTube gives inside look at courtroom

State of play: Many judges opt for limited-access Zoom sessions. McBurney turns the cameras on and streams the proceedings live, giving the public an up-close view of proceedings that rivals sitting in the gallery.

• In the process, the judge's command of the courtroom, transparency and demeanor have attracted a regular group of court watchers from as close as Atlanta to as far away as England who follow cases like an episode of "Law & Order." Some tune in just to watch the judge they refer to as "McB."

Zoom in: Chatroom regulars opine on testimony, update late arrivals and point out distracting Zoom backgrounds. In addition, they ask about each other's families, celebrate one person reaching 45 days of sobriety and discuss new jobs.

• Lawyers, bailiffs like "Deputy Gordon" and courtroom staff have attracted their own followings. One defense attorney, a redheaded fan favorite the chatters have nicknamed "Red," is well-regarded for her delivery and smarts.

What they're saying: "I think livestreaming has been a very important innovation, and I continue to do it," McBurney told Axios. "It has opened up courtroom access well beyond Fulton County."

• "It enables people who have other things going on to keep track of what's happening in court. Whether it's germane to them — i.e., it's a family member — or they are connected to the dispute in some way, or they just want to learn more about the process."
• A law school classmate of McBurney who now teaches in another state has replayed segments from the judge's trials to teach evidence classes, he said.

What they're saying: Mimi, who lives in Louisiana, said they usually get their courtroom fix from YouTube personalities like "Law & Lumber," "Uncivil Law," and Emily D. Baker, who recap and distill high-profile trials.

• "Judge McB — I watch directly," they said. (Commenters asked Axios to use only their usernames.)

Context: McBurney, once called "the hardest working judge in Georgia," has presided over high-profile cases involving a Buckhead attorney who fatally shot his wife, a judge accused of ethical violations and a former president's tinkering with the 2020 election.

The intrigue: Though the judge is aware of the chatroom and the court posts stock photos of lunches and juries to signal breaks and recesses, McBurney doesn't play to the crowd or engage in banter.

• "I don't think that's a barrier I need to cross," he said.

See also: Fulton Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee's YouTube channel