The Young Thug/YSL RICO trial is moving forward with a new judge and new rules. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker has taken over the case after Judge Shukura Ingram recused herself due to a previous court-related affiliation with one of the co-defendants.

During an attorney-only hearing on Friday (July 19), Judge Whitaker outlined new guidelines for the trial, emphasizing efficiency and expediency.

Despite being new to the case, she established the following rules:

• Court will run from 8:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
• No snacking or eating in the courtroom unless sessions extend through lunch or dinner.
• Defendants cannot use headphones (AirPods) during the trial.
• Defendants must adhere to a simpler dress code.
• Efforts must be made to minimize disruptions in court.
• The state must ensure no gaps between witnesses, with the next witness available immediately.

The trial is set to resume in August.

Judge Paige Reese Whitaker is the third judge to handle the Young Thug/YSL RICO trial. She replaced Judge Shukura Ingram, who recused herself on Thursday (July 17) due to a previous court-related affiliation with one of the co-defendants.

Judge Ingram initially took over for Judge Ural Glanville, who was removed from the trial on Monday (July 15). Judge Glanville had presided over the case from its inception but was removed following concerns raised by Young Thug's defense team about a controversial ex-parte meeting he conducted. This meeting involved key prosecution witness Kenneth "Lil Woody" Copeland and the prosecution, held without the presence of the defense, leading to Judge Glanville's removal.

Judge Whitaker has laid out some new guidelines for the courtroom in the Young Thug trial.

All things considered, it's great to see the Judge show control over the courtroom, something we've had problems with before. pic.twitter.com/1wZhnM2f3l

— THUGGERDAILY ひ (@ThuggerDaily) July 19, 2024