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The U.S. Supreme Court currently has a ban on cameras broadcasting in federal court. For the past few months, there has been an intense debate on whether or not to lift the ban.
I fully support cameras in the Supreme Court because I have a right to know about the laws that directly affect my life.
Illinois recently implemented a policy allowing cameras in state level courts. This will provide a better understanding of the judicial system. If a state can allow the public to witness trials, than the highest court of law should be willing to set a great example.The Supreme Court currently allows audio during trials, but it only provides so much. To get the whole picture, we need not only to hear what’s going on, but also see what’s going on.
Some people believe that at trial level, judges worry that television coverage could intimidate witnesses, and that media coverage could influence juries. The problems with these arguments are that neither witnesses nor juries exist in the Supreme Court. Some people say that court members seem most worried about annonymity.
However, we live in a democracy where people who take on positions of great power should expect to sacrifice all anonymity and be able to answer to the people they serve.
I believe Justices oppose to having cases broadcasted for a much darker reason: They don’t like to be second-guessed. Why would they? They hold lifelong positions at the top of the Judicial branch of government, and have the final say in disputes with President Obama and Congress.
Having cameras during trials would take the Justices out of their comfort zone; forcing them to be held accountable for what takes place.
What’s bad for them, benefits Americans who are directly affected by the decisions of the Supreme Court. It could also be a possibility that the Justices don’t want to be seen in a compromising position, such as nodding off or saying things they don’t want heard outside the courtroom.Americans have a right to know how the Supreme Court conducts its business. This March, for example, the Justices will be hearing arguments on Obama’s health care reform. Democrats, Republicans, and even polls by USA Today show that people want cameras for complete coverage of the case. It’s time for the Supreme Court to ditch their outdated mindset and enter into the 21st Century.
