NCJ Number
121744
Date Published
1988
Length
129 pages
Annotation
When considering whether media coverage of criminal court proceedings should be permitted, it is necessary to balance the public's right to know and the individual's right to privacy.
Abstract
This ten-chapter book examines the legal and constitutional issues underlying media coverage of criminal court proceedings, focusing on applicable case law. Chapters one and two examine the first amendment and the public's right of access to criminal trials and the freedom of the press to be present in the courtroom and report on the proceedings. Chapter three examines the sixth amendment and the constitutional guarantee of a fair and public trial, while chapter four discusses cases and situations that permit the courtroom to be closed to the public and the press. Chapter five focuses on issues surrounding the broadcasting, photographing, and televising of criminal trials, and chapter six examines issues arising from the right to gather information and the right to disseminate information. Chapter seven points out that courtroom cameras and electronic media equipment can affect trial lawyers, thus diminishing the defendant's right to a fair trial. Chapter eight deals with the conduct of the trial lawyer and prejudicial trial publicity, while chapter nine discusses media access to civil trials. Chapter ten reports on public, press, and media access to courtrooms in the United Kingdom. Index to cases and subject index.