48 of the 50 states now presently permit some type of audio-visual coverage of court proceedings, and not a single state has ever repealed a decision, once made, to allow camera coverage of its courts. The Act also permits judges to ban cameras from selected proceedings at their sole discretion. The federal courts play a very important part in our government, and federal judges serve for life. The American people deserve an opportunity to see how they operate. Studies in 28 states show that television coverage of court proceedings has significant social and educational benefits.
Cameras allow citizens to see their judicial system at work.
Cameras in the courtroom benefit the victims of crimes. The New York Times , the Wall Street Journal , former Attorney General Griffin Bell, and scores of columnists and policy analysts have endorsed cameras in the courtroom.