The Future of Cameras in the Courts: Florida Sunshine of Judge Judy

Authors

  • Elizabeth A. Stawicki University of St. Thomas School of Law

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/tlp.2008.39

Abstract

 

This paper explains why electronic broadcasting devices, including both video and audio, should be standard equipment in any courtroom given that newspaper readership is declining sharply and newspapers are cutting staff. The public now looks to so-called reality courts such as Judge Judy for how the legal system operates. It begins with an introduction discussing what many consider the trial that quashed momentum on broadcasting court proceedings: the O.J. Simpson trial. The article then considers a brief legal history of cameras in the courts, recent legislation on the topic, and arguments against cameras in the courts, including why those arguments fail. It concludes with the rationales for why broadcasting court proceedings is important to the public interest.

Author Biography

Elizabeth A. Stawicki, University of St. Thomas School of Law

J.D.

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Published

2008-04-01

How to Cite

Stawicki, E. A. (2008). The Future of Cameras in the Courts: Florida Sunshine of Judge Judy. Pittsburgh Journal of Technology Law & Policy, 8. https://doi.org/10.5195/tlp.2008.39