In a rare, perhaps unprecedented, move by a judge, the alleged victims of sexual abuser Jeffrey Epstein are expected to be offered the chance to speak this morning at a posthumous hearing in Manhattan federal court concerning Epstein's criminal prosecution.

Epstein, convicted years ago in Florida of sexually abusing underage girls and recently charged anew with sexual trafficking and conspiracy by Manhattan prosecutors, died due to what officials have ruled was a suicide while he was detained awaiting trial.

Prosecutors have now made a no-prosecution motion, and the case against Epstein is expected to be dismissed.

But U.S. District Judge Richard Berman of the Southern District of New York said recently in court that at today's hearing, there is a public, informational interest in the public learning more about the process. He indicated that hearing testimony from the alleged victims would be part of it.

High-profile attorneys, including Gloria Allred, began walking into the 40 Foley Square courthouse Tuesday morning with what appeared to be victims. Throngs of media waited outside the building, and then quickly surrounded the lawyers as they and their clients neared the huge courthouse building. Media members peppered them with questions.

Allred said she was heartened that the "unprecedented" hearing allowing victims to speak was being held.

The move by Berman has been criticized by some as going against normal procedure, as Epstein was never proven guilty in this case.

The Law Journal's coverage of the Epstein hearing will be updated.