NCJ Number
185800
Journal
Crime Prevention and Community Safety: An International Journal Volume: 2 Issue: 3 Dated: 2000 Pages: 23-34
Date Published
2000
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article examines the issue of cameras in U.K. courtrooms.
Abstract
The media representation of criminal justice has considerable connotations for public and political debates about law and order. Recently, the electronic broadcast coverage of court proceedings has added new questions to the discussion. This article seeks to explore the difficulties and perceived advantages of cameras in the courtroom, and investigates the future of technology in these arguments. The article examines television as scrutinizer, television as educator, research findings on camera impact, the O. J. Simpson trial as aberration, and case law in favor of the courtroom camera. Arguments against cameras in court include sound bites and sensationalism, television fosters disrespect for the court, and cameras pervert the trial process. Case law against cameras in court involve the effect on victims and witnesses. Finally, the development of communication technology in the courtroom, such as remote access to court proceedings via the World Wide Web, will eventually change the British justice system permanently. It is therefore imperative that further and more detailed examination of this "contentious issue" be undertaken in both political and academic arenas. Notes