Some people believe television coverage of court proceedings, including criminal trials, would help Americans better understand this part of our judicial process, to say nothing of their transparency. They also say broadcasting court proceedings will allow Americans to observe public trials without having to travel to the courthouse. Several famous trials, such as the O.J. Simpson and George Floyd murder trials, were televised. However, our federal courts currently ban cameras from their courtrooms. Televised-trial opponents claim TV coverage is often shallow and preoccupied with sensationalism. They say cameras will detract from the reverence of trial proceedings.

Pending Legislation: S.833 - Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2023
Sponsor: Sen. Chuck Grassley (IA)
Status: Senate Committee on the Judiciary
Chair: Sen. Dick Durban (IL)