Time, TV, and Criminal Justice: Second Thoughts on the Simpson Trial (From Criminal Courts for the 21st Century, P 307-327, 1999, Lisa Stolzenberg and Stewart J. D'Alessio, eds. -- See NCJ-186588)

• NCJ Number: 186599
• Author(s): Samuel H. Pillsbury
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 21 pages
• Sale Source: Prentice Hall (Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc)
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Reprinted by permission of West Group from the Criminal Law Bulletin, vol. 33, (1997), pp. 3-28.

Annotation

This article discusses cameras in the courtroom.

Abstract

Following the O.J. Simpson trial, judges across the Nation barred cameras from the trials of well-publicized cases, fearing that television would obstruct the pursuit of justice. The article considers whether there is any principled, practical way to reconcile the apparently conflicting needs of broad public access to the courtroom and criminal justice. The article proposes that criminal courtrooms be presumptively open to all media that can be physically accommodated, with the lone exception of live television broadcasts. While live broadcasts would be barred, cameras could tape proceedings for later broadcast. The article examines the constitutionality of such a proposal as well as what constitutes "the public interest." The article concludes that cameras-in-the-courtroom presents the legal system with a major opportunity to improve access to the courts and confidence in the law. The video camera provides an opportunity to return to the time when virtually all Americans could witness the legal process in important criminal cases. Notes