How about Cameras in the Supreme Court?

Defending Dissent Foundation joined with dozens of others in sending a letter to members of the Senate asking them to support S. 446 - Broadcast Coverage of the Supreme Court.

In our view, camera coverage of Supreme Court oral arguments will lead to greater comprehension of our justice system. It will inure to the benefit of all Americans by heightening their awareness of one of the three co-equal branches of our Federal government. The Court decides too many questions of monumental importance to the American people to deny them the opportunity to observe its proceedings. Even the majority of those who are able to visit the Court in person receive just three minutes to watch before they are shuffled out to make room for others waiting on line. The Court’s public-seating area accommodates only 300 visitors.

The time has come for the Supreme Court to enter the 21st century and join the high courts of the United Kingdom and Canada by permitting broadcast television coverage of its open proceedings. We understand the objections some have raised against televising trials, especially criminal trials where the rights of defendants must necessarily be considered. We are, nonetheless, convinced that those objections generally do not translate to the appellate arena where there are no juries to be exposed nor witnesses to be intimidated. In addition, S. 446 anticipates such concerns and allows exceptions in the event camera coverage would violate the due process rights of any party.