Judiciary Committee Passes "Cameras in the Courtroom" Legislation

Press Release

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved legislation Thursday (S.344) 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-Wis.) 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."

"Open government is one of the most basic requirements of a healthy democracy," Cornyn said. "This bill would allow ordinary citizens throughout the country to observe our judicial system. It would enable taxpayers to see where their money is going, permit the honest exchange of information and uphold the ideal that government should be ruled by the consent of the governed. If information can be safely made open and broadcast to the public, it should be. This includes court proceedings."

"Nine Justices have a tremendous amount of influence on the lives of the citizens of this country, yet people know very little about what they do and the rationale behind their decisions. Allowing cameras in the Supreme Court will help bring much needed transparency to a process that is largely unknown to the American public. This bill is a good first step and I look forward to extending this transparency to all federal courts." Grassley said.

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.

The bill is now sent to the full Senate for its consideration.

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