Relationship Between Courts and the Public - A Newsman's View (From Improvement of the Administration of Justice, P 321-331, 1981, Fannie J Klein, ed. - See NCJ-93134)

• NCJ Number: 93148
• Author(s): L Denniston
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 11 pages
• Sale Source: American Bar Association
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Although the relationship between the courts and the press appears more often to be one of conflict than one of partnership, both the courts and the press should be encouraged to take steps to accommodate one another and develop more of a partnership.

Abstract

Such an effort would be particularly desirable in view of the press's role as the courier of word about the courts to the general public. The legal community can do much to shape or alter the manner in which the public and the press perceive that community and its activity. First, however, the legal community must understand that the press will want almost complete access to all information regarding court proceedings and that it will also be highly selective in what it chooses ultimately to publish or broadcast about the courts. One specific gesture which the courts can make to serve the press is to provide assured access to courtroom proceedings as well as the opportunity to use, as needed, the documents and other materials involved in the process. Access must also be understood to include assistance in understanding the process. The courts should also provide explanations after taking action, through interviews, background briefing, press conferences, and informal contract between court personnel and reporters. The court should also try to provide written opinions and orders wherever possible, as well as prompt access to a stenographers's transcript when available. Access to documentary exhibits should be routine. Facts sheets may also be helpful. An annotated list of 37 sources and court decisions is included.