CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- A South Carolina judge refused to issue a gag order in lawsuits stemming from the deaths of nine firefighters in a 2007 furniture store blaze.
Judge R. Markley Dennis ruled Thursday on a request made by plaintiffs in the case after an attorney discussed a deposition in a radio interview. Dennis said the issue is covered by ethical rules governing lawyer behavior.
Dennis also delayed the deadline for both sides to share evidence until July, when the time limit for filing new lawsuits in the case will have expired.
The state Court of Appeals also is considering whether the city should be a defendant in the case.
Also Thursday, families of some of the firefighters meet with state investigators who may look into whether criminal negligence was involved in the deaths.
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