A panel of appeals judges have vacated, but not reversed, an order finding that the Karen Read trial buffer zone for protesters is valid and constitutional​.

The protesters fighting the court’s buffer zone in the high-profile Karen Read case have scored a win in federal appeals court. The buffer zone around Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham was expanded for the Read retrial after jurors during the first trial reported that they could hear loud protesters during deliberations.

A panel of appeals judges has ruled that a buffer zone during Karen Read's second murder trial is constitutional, but should be reconsidered.

The controversial murder trial has spawned lots of demonstrations, as well as trials about the demonstrations, with demonstrators winning the latest installment.

The lawsuit, filed by four people who had held signs criticizing the judge on a sidewalk outside the courthouse, contends the buffer zone during Karen Read's high-profile retrial is unconstitutionally broad and vague.