"The best way to maintain confidence and a better understanding of the judicial system, where the federal judiciary holds tremendous power, is to let the sun shine in by opening up the courtroom to public scrutiny through broadcasting," Grassley said. "This bipartisan initiative is consistent with the plan the founders of our nation set forth for judicial proceedings with trials held in front of as many people as who may choose to attend."
Grassley is introducing the Sunshine in the Courtroom Act with Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York. The bipartisan bill would allow federal trial and appellate judges, at their sole discretion, to permit cameras in their courtrooms. The bill would also direct the Judicial Conference, the principal policy-making entity for the federal courts, to draft nonbinding guidelines that judges can refer to in making a decision pertaining to the coverage of a particular case.
Last winter, at the urging of Grassley and Schumer, the Supreme Court ? for the first time ever ? released an audio broadcast of Bush v. Gore, resulting in a more informed public. The audiotape followed the live broadcast of the Florida Supreme Court's deliberations of the case and certification of the vote. The tape and the broadcasts provided millions of Americans with a window into the proceedings without obstructing the administration of justice in any way.
"The successful audiocast of the presidential election case before the Supreme Court was a step in the right direction," Grassley said. "The precedent should be expanded to allow full broadcast coverage of court proceedings."
Forty-eight states currently permit some form of audio-video coverage in their courtrooms and at least 37 directly televise trials. Studies and surveys conducted in many of those states have confirmed that electronic media coverage of trials boosts public understanding of the court system without interfering with court proceedings.
"Iowa has allowed cameras in the state courts for more than 20 years. It's enhanced a better understanding and appreciation for the judicial system by Iowa taxpayers. Allowing cameras into federal courtrooms would bring the federal judiciary in the 21st century, " Grassley said.
A commission studying New York's ten-year experiment with cameras in state courtrooms recently concluded that television coverage improved public scrutiny and knowledge of state's judicial system without affecting a single verdict. A pilot program allowing televising of federal proceedings between 1991 and 1993 also received a favorable report from the panel of judges overseeing it.
Cosponsors of the bill are Sens. Pat Leahy of Vermont, Bob Smith of New Hampshire, Wayne Allard of Colorado and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania.