Miscellaneous

Camcourter

By Anne Skove, Esq.

We've seen Paris and Nicky try farm life, people trying to sing and dance, and 24-7 coverage of space.

Cameras in the courts -- what, if anything, would they change?

Cameras can be used to try to turn the tables; just ask the governor of Illinois. He wants cameras, but no trial. Every revolution is now televised. Recall Tonya Harding, Roseanne, and Bono all taping the paparazzi, back atchya. Just a week ago, one of the new first daughters caught her father's inauguration on a handheld device. Forget being in the moment, we've captured it for later.

In Minnesota, politics brought cameras to court, too. See Minn. Judges Allow Cameras in Court for Senate Battle, RCFP News Media Update (January 22, 2009). TV stars-turned-politicians are guaranteed to bring up the ratings!

Here in Ohio, court-o-rama is probably alone in watching Chief Justice Moyer and company on the Ohio Channel. Often broadcast in the wee hours, these are not for the tired or easily bored. The only thing close to a scandal we've seen thus far was a disciplinary hearing. It was handled with professionalism and civility by the bar, defense, and justices.

Who knows, soon insomniac New Yorkers may have a similar option. The new chief is known to favor cameras in the courts. See NY Chief Judge Nominee Backs Cameras in Courtrooms, Michael Virtanen, AP/Newsday (January 14, 2009).

What do cameras change?

• Access. Not everybody can come to court; court comes to everybody.


• Knowledge. We're always excited when some otherwise obscure procedure or little-known bit of legalese comes to light via a notorious case. If people need Britney to teach them about conservatorship, so be it.


• The rumor mill. When people don't know what's going on, they gossip for lack of better information.


• Haircuts. We heard that when Washington state courts first allowed cameras, the judges worried about their hair. Now that they're used to it, they worry less.

Are you ready?

Full post as published by court-o-rama.org on January 26, 2009 (boomark / email).