The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1948-08-26

grave concern that serious thought is
being given to the adoption by the
Court of Appeals of Maryland to 8
rule similar to Rule 904 now in effect
in Baltimore City. On the assumptio.
that such a regulation may be given
early consideration, even though il
prevails nowhere in the United States
except Baltimore City, editors of the
State have devoted much thought to
the proposed rule, both as to it's ef-
feet on the press Of Maryland and the
citizens as q whole.
CATER due study, it is the opinion
of the members of the Maryland
Press Association that statewide APP
plication of such rule is not neces-
sary and would be detrimental to the
public's interest.
"In reaching this conclusion, we de-
sire to make the following obser-
vations.
"G) Publication of the photograph
of an accused person might serve the
very good purpose of lettering
others. Under any conditions, there is
nothing to limit a descriptive word
picture presenting every detail about
the accused so that prohibiting u
photograph would accomplish moth
ing.
1T should be recalled that existing
libel laws fully protect accused per-
sons and all others from false, detri-
mental or derogatory statements or
photographs. The propriety of pub
fishing such pictures is clearly recog-
nized by the United States govern
ment, Federal marShals having been
relieved of restrictions and given per-
mission to authorize the publications
of pictures of parties in their Gus
tody.
"(2) We fully concur in the view
that courtroom photographs inciden-
tai to criminal trials are improper
and tend to lower the public's respect
for court procedure. However, it is
obvious that no special rule is re-
Quired on this subject as presiding
judges already have inherent power
to regulate actions within their Court
and impose adequate punishment for
any infractions
"(3) Prohibiting the giving of any
vital Information or confession to the
press by constituted authorities
would result in the public's being de-
prived Of accurate information rela-
tive to crimes. The press, by the very
nature Of things, is dependent upon
the States Attorney, Sheriff and
other officials for correct data. Should
this information be prohibited. il
would result in garbled news stories
and a misinformed public, with
resulting detrimental effect on the
position Of the accused. The proposed
rule would tend to encourage gossip,
as the real facts could not be pub
lshed while they are still news.
Without facts, many stories of
detrimental and vicious nature soon
would be circulated about the au-
thorities and eventually the public's
in their democratic form
OF government would be DESTROYED
But the greatest danger Of all lies
in the fact that the proposed rule is
too comprehensive and gives too
great an opportunity for varied inter
probation.
100 Any ban upon information
concerning the status Of a prisoner,
progress OF the case, or possible fore
cast would be most unwise and IL
furious to all parties concerned. <
free and unhampered press is one Of
the greatest safeguards citizens have
in the administration of public af
fairs. Anything which tends to PIT
officials in position where their ac-
tons are protected from constant
scrutiny would certainly tend to fos
ter corruption. 1t is the peoples
right to know that an offense against
society has been committed, how and
by whom, and the steps being taken
for the protection Of society.