NCJ Number
201087
Date Published
2002
Length
228 pages
Annotation
This book discusses the issue of televised court trials.
Abstract
The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the public’s right of access to the judicial system, but has stopped short of saying the right to a public trial means the right to a televised one. Televising of many State trials has increased the level of knowledge and sophistication most Americans have about the legal system. Federal court rules prohibit the televising of any Federal criminal trial. This book is intended to present the evidence, pro and con, on televised court proceedings. Chapter 1 discusses America’s love affair for all things legal. Chapter 2 provides a background of cameras in the courtroom and present day rules. Chapter 3 details the development of court television. In chapter 4, criticism of cameras in the courtroom is presented. Chapter 5 discusses the public perception of the criminal justice system. Chapter 6 presents evidence regarding television broadcasting of trials. In chapter 7, the conclusion is drawn that mostly, cameras seem to help in the courtroom. One of the greatest benefits is enhanced public scrutiny of the judicial system. Television coverage of court proceedings enables the public to learn more about the workings of the justice system, to see directly the conduct of particular cases, and to become more familiar with legal concepts and developments. But there is a time and a place for every technological advancement, and some reporting tools are more intrusive and distracting than others. Perhaps the best approach is to leave it up to the judge in each case to decide when to welcome cameras. 6 appendices, 475 notes