NCJ Number
25579
Journal
American Bar Association Journal Volume: 60 Dated: (MARCH 1974) Pages: 294-297
Date Published
1974
Length
4 pages
Annotation
THE AUTHOR REVIEWS THE EFFECTS OF AN AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION CANON DEALING WITH TELEVISION USE IN THE COURTROOM, AND OUTLINES THE ADVANTAGES THAT INCREASED TELEVISION COVERAGE OF TRIALS WOULD HAVE ON THE COURTS.
Abstract
IT IS NOTED THAT THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION CANON 3(A)(7) OF THE CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT CREATES STRICT LIMITATIONS ON TELEVISION NEWS COVERAGE OF ACTUAL TRIAL PROCEEDINGS. THE AUTHOR ARGUES THAT WITH ADEQUATE GUIDELINES, TELEVISION COVERAGE WOULD NOT BE DISRUPTIVE OF THE COURT PROCESS. IN FACT, THE AUTHOR STATES, TELEVISION MAY ENHANCE COURTROOM DIGNITY BY SERVING AS A RESTRAINT TO BREACHES IN DIGNITY BY TRIAL PARTICIPANTS. OTHER ADVANTAGES OF TELEVISED COVERAGE OF TRIALS DISCUSSED BY THE AUTHOR INCLUDE EXTENSION OF THE RIGHT TO A PUBLIC TRIAL AND EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS TO THE PUBLIC. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE COLORADO SYSTEM WHICH DOES ALLOW TELEVISION COVERAGE OF TRIALS IS THEN PROVIDED.