Impact of California v. Simpson on Cameras in the Courtroom

• NCJ Number: 162830
• Journal: Judicature Volume: 79 Issue: 4 Dated: (January-February 1996) Pages: 169-175
• Author(s): S L Alexander
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This article reports on the findings of a survey of selected respondents in the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Guam regarding the impact of the O.J. Simpson trial on the use of cameras in the courtrooms in respondents' jurisdictions.

Abstract

Two days after the Simpson verdict, questionnaires were sent to lawyers, reporters, and editors listed by the Society of Professional Journalists as voluntary "State Sunshine Chairs," local experts on questions of media access. Responses were obtained from all 52 jurisdictions. The survey included three questions intended to solicit opinions of the impact of the Simpson trial. One question asked whether there had been any change in the status of courtroom camera usage in the respondent's jurisdiction since November 1994. Four States reported changes in the status of courtroom cameras since the advent of the Simpson trial. These States moved toward initial or expanded use of courtroom cameras. Attempts to extend camera usage failed in two States. A second question asked whether respondents knew of any activity that suggested there may soon be a change in the status of courtroom camera usage in each respondent's State. In four States where the issue seemed to have been settled, proposals that would restrict camera coverage have been suggested. In Illinois, one bill calls for a ban on courtroom cameras, and in Oklahoma, a bill has been filed that would prohibit all courtroom camera coverage. The third question asked whether the respondents felt that camera coverage in the Simpson trial had any effect on the status of courtroom camera usage in each respondent's State. Respondents from the four States where restrictive legislation recently has been proposed, along with five of the eight States with camera experiments, reported that coverage of the Simpson trial has had some effect. The strongest impact has been in California, where the Governor proposed restrictive legislation. Beyond the findings of this study, there is evidence the Simpson case has put many courtroom camera proponents on the defense or even caused them to change or modify their positions.