Cameras Coming To Courtrooms High Court Ruling Allows Photographers In Court On A 1-Year Experimental Basis
For 16 years Idaho’s courtrooms have been closed to cameras, but that will change next week.
The Idaho Supreme Court has voted to allow camera crews and photographers in the courtroom on a one-year experimental basis. The ruling goes into effect Wednesday.
“The court has acted and the order will be issued at the first of the week,” said Chief Justice Chas McDevitt. “I don’t know how anyone actually prepares to deal with this, but we hope to provide our judges with the necessary tools.”
The new three-page rule gives presiding judges control over photographers. Judges can limit the number of cameras or even prohibit coverage in the courtroom at their discretion.
“It does place a lot of responsibility on judges, but that’s right where it belongs,” said 1st District Court Judge James Michaud.
Specifically, the new rule says:
The presiding judge can limit coverage or photography of any public hearing when the interest of justice requires it. A judge’s decision regarding coverage cannot be appealed.
Approval to broadcast or photograph in court must be obtained in advance. Media representatives must be dressed neatly, be in place 15 minutes before court begins and stay at predetermined locations.
Photographing the jury or any notes left at counsel tables is prohibited.
The presiding judge will decide if more than one still photographer and video operator will be allowed in the courtroom. The judge will not settle any disputes about pool coverage.
Noisy cameras and extra lighting equipment are not allowed, and a judge can require the media to demonstrate their equipment before being allowed in court.
The Idaho Press Club, a group of media representatives, has fought for six years to get cameras in Idaho’s courtrooms. It’s a practice that’s been longstanding in Washington and other states.
The breakthrough came last year when a committee of attorneys, judges and media representatives hashed out the new rule.
“There was a lot of reluctance from some judges and attorneys on the panel who felt this would trivialize trial coverage,” said Kevin Richert, Idaho Press Club president and an editor at the Idaho Falls Post-Register.
Media problems at the O.J Simpson trial did little to bolster support, he said.
“It tooks us six years to get to the Supreme Court and six minutes for someone to bring up the O.J. trial,” Richert said. “But we are trusting our colleagues will do this with some common sense.”
First District Court Judge James Judd said he has mixed feelings about the new rule. The public already has free access to the courts and Judd doubts having a camera inside will enhance that.
“I think there can be a negative influence exerted on the proceedings, jurors or witness by the pressure of having cameras, that eye looking at them,” he said. “But the court said they want us to try it and we will see what happens.”