Grassroots taxpayer groups fought for years to get the Congress to give the president line item veto authority. When a Republican Congress finally did so for a Democratic President, some elected officials who lost the vote in Congress sued. Taxpayers could watch these officials debating in Congress, but when they took their case to the court, the public was blacked out. Yet the American people are effectively barred from listening in as arguments are made before these courts, and as decisions are handed down. It's time to open this branch of government to American people.
Cameras allow citizens to see their judicial system at work.
Crime victims advocate cameras in the courtroom. Hearings are expected on the legislation in July. It is not supposed to be mysterious to the public it serves. Making it more accessible, and promoting greater public understanding of the complex questions it addresses, is the best way to honor the institution.