Respond to Donna Post

Good evening class,

I don’t think there is any benefit of allowing news cameras inside the courtroom during criminal trials. The widespread dissemination of the testimony and faces of the jury, never mind the witnesses, could damage not only the case but also could cause ridicule and expose and intrude on everyone’s personal lives after the fact. Individuals favoring the use of news cameras in the courtroom argue that if they aren’t present, they are violating the First Amendment provisions regarding freedom of the press to access court proceedings. While this poses as a valid argument discussion that it may educate the public with respect to the judicial process and public understanding and confidence in the courts, it also poses concerns of distraction. “Proceedings in court should be conducted with fitting dignity and decorum. The taking of photographs in the courtroom, during sessions of the court or recesses between sessions, and the broadcasting of court proceedings, degrade the court and create misconceptions with respect thereto in the mind of the public and should not be permitted (Kielbowicz, 1979).” 

I hope everyone is having a good semester. Can’t believe we are already past the halfway mark.  

Donna 

References: 

Kielbowicz, R. B., & American Judicature Soc. (1979). Story behind the Adoption of the Ban on Courtroom Cameras. Judicature, 63(1), 14–23. 

Sauerland, M., Krix, A. C., Georgiadou, K., Humblet, J., Broers, N. J., & Sagana, A. (2023). Camera footage and identification testimony undermine the availability of exculpatory alibi evidence. PLoS ONE, 18(10), 1–16. https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1371/journal.pone.0289376 

In your response to your peers, consider how well they justified their positions, making use of available resources. Consider the following questions in your response posts:

• Did they support their position convincingly using appropriate resources?
• Which of their points make the most sense to you, even if you made a case for the opposing viewpoint?