MEDICINE HAT, Alta. — The trial of a 13-year-old girl accused of murdering her entire family has begun with arguments over whether reporters should be allowed in the courtroom to hear preliminary proceedings before a jury is called.

The accused was only 12 when her parents and younger brother were found dead in their home in the southern Alberta city of Medicine Hat last year.

Her lawyer has asked that the public, including the media, be excluded from this week's voir dire hearing, being held to determine the admissibility of some evidence.

Lawyers for several news outlets, including The Canadian Press, CBC and the Calgary Herald are debating the proposed ban at the Medicine Hat courthouse today.

The girl, who cannot be identified under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has pleaded not guilty to three charges of first-degree murder.

Also accused of the same charges is 24-year-old Jeremy Steinke, who is to be tried at a later date as an adult.