Sen. Chuck Grassley today urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider its decision to ban television coverage of the Florida election matter scheduled for argument before the court on Friday.
Grassley is the principal author of legislation introduced last year to allow broadcast coverage of what goes on in federal courts, including the Supreme Court. He said his Sunshine in the Courtroom Act is consistent with the founding fathers' intent that trials be held in front of as many people as choose to attend. The bill would allow the photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting, and televising of federal court proceedings.
Grassley said, "the best way to maintain confidence in the system, where the federal judiciary holds tremendous power, is to let the sun shine in by opening up the courtroom to public view through broadcasting. Allowing cameras in the courtroom would bring the judiciary into the 21st century."
Currently, cameras are banned in all federal district courts. 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 47 states.
A copy of the letter Grassley sent today to Chief Justice William Rehnquist is attached. It is also signed by Sen. Chuck Schumer, of New York, who is the Democratic co-sponsor of Grassley's legislation.
Grassley conducted a hearing in September to draw attention to their legislation and featured testimony from KCCI-TV's news director, Dave Busiek. The bill has not been considered by the Judiciary Committee or the full Senate.