Grassley, Klobuchar Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Allow Cameras in Federal Courts
WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley
(R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and five of their Senate colleagues reintroduced
bipartisan legislation to expand the public’s window into federal court
proceedings by allowing television cameras in federal courtrooms. The Sunshine
in the Courtroom Act allows judges to permit media
coverage of trial and appellate cases while ensuring appropriate due process
safeguards and privacy protections for witnesses and jurors remain intact.
“Federal courtrooms represent a place to
find justice and to resolve disputes fairly. They also represent the birthplace
of decisions that can impact the lives of Americans for generations. Yet many
Americans may never have a chance to step foot in a courtroom and witness the judicial
process in action,” Grassley said. “In
much the same way that C-SPAN fostered a greater understanding of the
legislative process and improved transparency in Congress, allowing cameras in
federal courtrooms would contribute to a better understanding of the American
judicial system. This bill accomplishes that all while keeping in place privacy
protections for witnesses and jurors.”
“Our judicial
system is one of the crown jewels of American democracy, but as technology
evolves, so should transparency,” Cornyn
said. “Texas
has led the way with permitting cameras in many of the Lone Star State’s
courtrooms, and I’m proud to introduce this legislation to ensure federal
courts are able to provide that same access to the public.”
“Increasing
transparency in the justice system strengthens our democracy. I’m proud to
support this bipartisan bill to put cameras in federal courtrooms so the
American people can see the inner workings of our government,”
Durbin said.
“Allowing Americans to witness their
justice system at work benefits our democracy and the rule of law. At a time of
increased polarization and distrust in our institutions, we should encourage Americans
to watch our independent judiciary – the crown jewel of our democracy – in
action. Moreover, Americans deserve more transparency into the courtrooms where
monumental decisions impacting their rights and lives are made. This Sunshine
Week, I’m proud to cosponsor this bill that would bring sunshine into our
courtrooms,” Leahy said.
“Greater transparency in the courtroom
will lead to greater accountability and greater understanding of our judicial
system. Judicial proceedings can be a matter of life or death – and any process
with that kind of impact on people’s lives shouldn’t be cloaked in secrecy. I’m
proud to cosponsor this measure shining a light into courtrooms for the
American public,” Blumenthal said.
“Our
judicial system is strongest when the people can observe its workings. The
Sunshine in the Courtroom Act creates a window into our courthouses, ensures
transparency in our proceedings, and strengthens the public’s confidence in the
administration of justice. I am proud to co-sponsor this critical legislation
to bolster our democracy and work toward true justice in every courtroom across
the country,” Markey said.
The Sunshine in the Courtroom Act
grants the presiding judge in all federal courts, including the Supreme Court,
the discretion to allow cameras in the courtroom while protecting the
identities of witnesses and jurors when necessary or upon request. It also
prohibits media coverage of private conversations between clients and counsel,
between opposing attorneys, and between counsel and the presiding judge. The
bill contains a three-year sunset provision, requiring Congress to evaluate how
media access is impacting the judiciary.
All 50 states currently allow some form of
audio or video coverage of court proceedings under a variety of rules and
conditions, however federal court rules vary by district. Many federal courts,
including the Supreme Court, prohibit the use of live media coverage. Public
scrutiny of federal court proceedings will produce greater accountability and
transparency of the judiciary system.
Along with Grassley and Klobuchar, this
legislation is cosponsored by Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas), Dick Durbin
(D-Ill.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Richard Blumenthal, (D-Conn.) and Ed Markey
(D-Mass.).
Grassley is also the lead cosponsor of
separate legislation
that would require television camera access in U.S. Supreme Court oral argument
proceedings. The bills coincide with Sunshine Week, a time dedicated to raising
awareness of the importance of transparency in government.
