NCJ Number
186132
Journal
Court Manager Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: 1999 Pages: 34-35
Editor(s)
K. Kent Batty
Date Published
1999
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Most courthouses have some representatives of the media present at one time or another, whether print, electronic, or both, and the presence of the media may affect many aspects of courthouse operations and occupants.
Abstract
The media may have an effect on courthouse facilities, proceedings, participants and jurors, documents, and judges. Areas of concern with courthouse facilities that start outside the building are primarily related to parking and building access. Moving closer into the courthouse, the media's accoutrements often create hazards. The integrity of court proceedings may be compromised when courts conduct media interviews in hallways that are also used by jurors or when reporters talking among themselves outside a courtroom are overheard as jurors enter or exit the courtroom. Photography is an issue with respect to participants and jurors, while the greatest risk factor to confidential documents is the human factor (for example, the temptation of bribes). Judges and judicial officers may face media personnel as they enter or leave their courtrooms or when they walk to their cars in unsecured parking lots. Recommendations to minimize security issues associated with media in the courthouse are offered.