Sen. Chuck Grassley received a reply late today to his call for 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.
In a letter to Grassley, Chief Justice William Rehnquist wrote, "The Court recognizes the intense public interest in this case and for that reason today has decided to release a copy of the audiotape of the argument promptly after the conclusion of the argument."
Grassley said that while live camera or audio coverage still will not be allowed, "the Court's response to our request is an historic, major step in the right direction. Giving the public greater access to the highest court in the land is the right thing to do and consistent with the founding fathers' intentions for our federal judicial system. I hope this precedent will be expanded to allow full broadcast coverage of court proceedings. Openness is the key to public confidence in our system."
Grassley and Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York sent a letter early this morning to Rehnquist urging that the Court open its doors to camera coverage. Together, the senators coauthored bipartisan legislation last year to allow broadcast coverage of what goes on in federal courts, including the Supreme Court. Grassley said their Sunshine in the Courtroom Act would allow the photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting, and televising of federal court proceedings. He conducted a hearing in September to draw attention to the legislation. The bill has not been considered by the Judiciary Committee or the full Senate.
Grassley said that allowing cameras in the courtroom would "bring the federal 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.
Copies of the response from Rehnquist and the Supreme Court press release are attached.