Why Media Should Witness Executions

For the second time in seven months, Idaho is preparing to kill a convicted criminal in the name of all Idahoans. And for the second time in seven months, the first phase of this procedure could occur behind a shroud of secrecy — in direct conflict with a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that holds that witnesses should be allowed to view an execution, from start to finish. That’s why Idaho media groups, including the Statesman, went to U.S. District Court to petition for access to the execution of Richard Leavitt, scheduled for Tuesday. This is why media groups will appear before the 9th Circuit Court today to appeal a district court ruling that sided with the state. This isn’t one of those First Amendment fights that wins the news media much sympathy from readers and viewers. It plays directly into the critics’ worst stereotypes of a self-important and voyeuristic media. But this is, nonetheless, an important access issue/ Kevin Richert , Idaho Statesman. More here.

Thoughts?