Specter Introduces "Cameras in the Courtroom" Legislation

http://specter.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAc...1&Year=2007

Washington, D.C. - Today, Senator Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced legislation that will require the Supreme Court to permit television coverage of open Supreme Court proceedings, unless a majority of the Justices determine that the due process rights of one or more litigant would be violated. The legislation will open the Supreme Court’s doors so that more Americans can see the process by which the Court reaches critical decisions of law that affect this country and everyday Americans.

 

The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Russell Feingold (D-Wiss.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas).

 

“The Supreme Court makes pronouncements on Constitutional and federal law that have direct impacts on the rights of Americans,” stated Specter. “Those rights would be substantially enhanced by televising the oral arguments of the Court so that the public can see and hear the issues presented. With this information, the public would have insight into key issues and be better equipped to understand the impact of and reasons for the Court’s decisions.”

 

Senator Specter chaired a committee hearing on November 9, 2005 to address whether the Supreme Court proceedings should be televised. He also solicited the opinions of now-Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito during their confirmation hearings. Chief Justice Roberts said at the time that he would keep an open mind on the issue. Justice Alito stated that as a circuit judge he voted to permit televised proceedings in the Third Circuit.

 

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