NCJ Number
109451
Date Published
1988
Length
130 pages
Annotation
This study monitors the impact of amendments to Canon 3(A)(7) of the Code of Judicial Conduct on media coverage of judicial proceedings and on the courts in Alaska.
Abstract
The July 1985 amendment by the Alaska Supreme Court eliminated the requirement that defendants must give their consent before news cameras would be allowed into criminal courts. This study covers the developing role of media in the courtroom; issues that have evolved over time; the current status of cameras in the courtrooms of all 50 States; how the issues developed in Alaska up to the rule change in July 1985; and a critical analysis of the impact of the rule and its effect on the Alaska courts in each of four judicial districts and at the appellate level. Data on how the media plan has affected the media's coverage of the courts are examined and interpreted. Findings indicate that Anchorage trial courts had the most requests for media coverage with a total of 259, of which 189 were granted without restrictions and only 15 completely denied. Cameras rarely were used in the appellate courts. Although many problems arose during the first days of increased access, courts throughout the State reported a good working relationship with the media, and coverage of the courts by both the broadcast and print media substantially increased. Ten recommendations are presented on legal issues and technical problems, including that witness objections to camera coverage be considered on a case by case basis; that camera coverage of sexual offenses be treated as coverage of a criminal matter, except that the victim should not be photographed without the victim's consent; and that judges should have the discretion to ensure the fair administration of justice. Tabular data and 96 references.