Senate Committee Advances Federal Court Camera Access

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The Senate Judiciary Committee passed several measures today addressing greater transparency in the judicial system—including televising U.S. Supreme Court hearings.

One of the bills, the Sunshine in the Courtroom Act, would allow chief district and appellate judges to permit cameras in court. That bill asks the Judicial Conference to devise guidelines that judges can use in deciding whether to permit cameras. And the bill also instructs the Judicial Conference to craft guidelines that address the protection of undercover officers and crime victims, among other people.

A sponsor of the bill, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), said in a statement today: “Letting the sun shine in on federal courtrooms will give Americans an opportunity to better understand the judicial process. This bill is the best way to maintain confidence and accountability in the judicial system and help judges do a better job.”

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said in a statement that the federal courts have "lagged behind" Congress and its committees when it comes to televising proceedings.

http://legaltimes.typepad.com/blt/2010/04/senate-judiciary-committee-advances-camera-access-legislation.html