Q&A: Cameras in the Courts

Q&A: Cameras in the Courts

With U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley

Q: Why are you continuing to push for cameras in federal courtrooms?

A: Opening up the federal courthouse to cameras would help foster civic engagement and boost public confidence in our legal system. As a watchdog for good government, I've led a crusade for nearly three decades to let the sun shine on federal court proceedings so people can see the wheels of justice in action and better appreciate how the rule of law shapes prosperity, peace and justice in America. My legislative efforts align with the intent of the founding fathers who believed public trials would help prevent abusive government power and uphold public confidence in the justice system. John Adams said the right to a trial by jury, along with representative government, serve as the "heart and lungs of liberty."

Although American life in the 21^st century is much different than in the 18^th century, the founding principles must remain ironclad as a check on government power to uphold America's promise of freedom and liberty for generations yet to come. Allowing cameras in the courtroom would give the American people a front row seat to the federal judiciary, a co-equal branch of the federal government that has tremendous influence over civic life and the economy, tasked with delivering justice on behalf of the American people. Transparency brings accountability. Just consider, cameras have captured every minute of Senate floor proceedings since 1986. Earlier this year, I cosponsored a bipartisan resolution to commemorate the 39^th anniversary of C-SPAN 2's gavel-to-gavel Senate coverage, connecting the American people via a nonpartisan lens to the people's business. I supported C-SPAN's fight to be platformed by streaming giants to keep pace with how Americans obtain news and entertainment and welcomed the agreement that they will carry C-SPAN's coverage of Congress and public affairs programming as a service to the American people.

Just as the American people have a front row seat to the legislative branch, they deserve a front row seat to the judicial branch. Giving people the opportunity to observe its work will enhance public awareness and understanding. The Father of the Constitution, James Madison, extolled the need for an engaged and educated citizenry as an essential lever for the preservation of liberty and the longevity of our republic. That's why I champion sunshine laws, from strengthening the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to expanding whistleblower protections and broadening public access to the courtroom. As Madison wrote, "…a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives." His words of wisdom written 200 years ago are a clarion call today that "the advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only Guardian of true liberty."

Q: What are your two bills that would put cameras in the courts?

A: As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I reintroduced two pieces of bipartisan legislation in March that would allow television cameras in federal courtrooms. The Sunshine in the Courtroom Act would grant the presiding judge in all federal courts, including the Supreme Court, the discretion to allow cameras in the courtroom, while protecting the identities of witnesses and jurors. The bill also prohibits media coverage of private conversations and includes a three-year sunset provision with the requirement Congress evaluate the impact of media access on the federal judiciary. The Cameras in the Courtroom Act would instruct the Supreme Court to permit television coverage of open sessions, unless a majority of the high court decides that doing so would violate due process.

In November I delivered remarks on the Senate floor to compliment Erika Kirk, the wife of assassinated conservative leader Charlie Kirk. She made a courageous plea to allow cameras in the courtroom during the trial of her husband's alleged assassin. It's said the wheels of justice turn slowly, but grind exceedingly fine. Our courts must balance the rights of the accused with the rights of victims. For example, as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I keep check on the executive and judicial branches to ensure laws protecting victims' rights are followed as Congress intended. Allowing cameras in the courtroom would help boost public confidence that justice is served with fairness. Lady Justice is sometimes depicted with a blindfold as a symbol of impartiality, and a sword to represent power. Opening the federal courthouse to cameras would allow the public to bear witness to the scales of justice in federal legal proceedings.

• Print
• Email
• Like
• Tweet