A judge handed a transcript over to The Enquirer today after the defense attorneys who tried to keep it secret declined to appeal his decision that the transcript was public.
Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Steve Martin ruled Friday that a settlement of a $300 million civil suit involving the estate of John "Bud" Koons III, the former owner Burger Beer, was public.
The lawyers placed an outline of the settlement on the record in an open courtroom with a court reporter recording every word.
When the Enquirer asked for the transcript of that hearing, though, the lawyers objected, saying the settlement was private. Martin ruled last week the transcript was public but gave the lawyers until noon today to tell him if they would appeal his ruling. The attorneys did not appear in court today.
The Enquirer will update this story revealing what was in the settlement. To follow Hamilton County court news, go to