Hearing:
"Cameras in the Courtroom"
Judiciary Subcommittee on Administrative Oversight and the Courts
Chairman, Sen. Chuck Grassley, of Iowa
Date:
Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2000, 2 p.m. (ET)
Time/Location:
226 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Description:
Sen. Grassley is the sponsor of legislation (S.721) that would make it easier for Americans to see what goes on in the federal courts, consistent with the founding fathers intent that trials be held before as many people as choose to attend. The First Amendment requires that court proceedings be open to the public. The bill Grassley introduced with Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) would allow the photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting, and televising of federal court proceedings.
During the Sept. 6 hearing, witnesses will make the case for cameras in the courtroom. Currently, cameras are banned in all federal district courts. In addition, only two appellate courts (the 2nd and 9th circuits) allow cameras in the courtroom. At the same time, cameras are permitted in the courts of 48 states. Grassley has said that the federal judiciary possesses enormous power, and openness and accountability should apply to this branch of the government, as well.
"When our judicial system was established, trials were meant to be highly public events. Citizens were able to attend trials and directly access the judicial process. Life today is obviously much different, and broadcast coverage of trials is required. The best way to maintain confidence in the system is to let the sun shine in by opening up the courtroom to public view through broadcasting," Grassley said.
A pilot program was conducted between 1991 and 1994, where cameras were allowed in selected federal courtrooms. Participating judges subsequently recommended that cameras be allowed in the courtroom. The federal courts' governing body, the Judicial Conference, is opposed to allowing cameras in courtrooms.
The Honorable Hiller Zobel, State Judge from Massachusetts
Dave Busiek, News Director for KCCI-TV, Des Moines
Lynn Dennis Wardle, Law Professor at Brigham Young University