Prepared Statement of Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa
Senate Committee on the Judiciary
Judicial Security and Independence
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Mr. Chairman, I’d like to discuss a couple of issues with Justice Kennedy. First, as you know, I’m the lead sponsor of legislation to open up the federal judiciary to television cameras and radio broadcasts. I’ve introduced the Cameras in the Courtroom bill five times now, the first time in the 106th Congress - and this bill has been approved on a bipartisan basis by the Senate Judiciary Committee on a number of occasions. This is common sense legislation, plain and simple. The American people should know what is going on in the courthouse, and opening the doors for all to see will just improve the public’s understanding of how our system of justice works. I also believe that the legislation will help promote accountability in the judicial system, and make judges do a better job. As you know, the bill would also open up the United States Supreme Court to media coverage. I hope that the Justices will acknowledge that more openness in our legal system is something that would be beneficial to all, and that it’s time for us to let the sun shine in on our federal courtrooms.
Justice Kennedy, you probably are aware that I’ve reintroduced the Judiciary Transparency and Ethics Enhancement Act in the Senate, which would create an Inspector General for the judicial branch. I’ve always found that Inspectors General improve efficiency and accountability in the offices they oversee. Because there have been reports that federal judges have violated ethical rules or engaged in judicial misconduct, having such an office in the judicial branch would not only help root out potential waste, fraud and abuse, it would also improve the public’s confidence in our judicial system. I understand that there are concerns about this kind of legislation possibly interfering with the independence of the judicial branch. I’d like to assure you that I’m a firm believer in the independence of the judiciary. In fact, we’ve incorporated changes in the bill that I believe address any such concerns. I hope that the Justices can take a look at this bill, and recognize that the judicial branch is accountable not only to the Constitution and the laws of the United States, but it is also accountable to the American people.
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