Opinion ID: 1810757
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: considerations against allowing electronic media coverage of judicial proceedings

Text: The opponents to electronic media coverage of judicial proceedings have raised a multitude of issues militating against such coverage. The grounds for objection can be classified into the following categories: (i) physical disturbance or disruption; (ii) adverse psychological effect on the participants in carrying out their solemn duties in connection with the decision-making process; (iii) exploitation of the courts for commercial purposes as opposed to the performance of an educational function; (iv) prejudicial publicity; (v) effect on particular categories of witnesses, i.e., confidential informants, victims, relatives of victims, minors, witnesses under protection of anonymity, prisoners; and (vi) privacy rights of participants. It is asserted that each adversely bears upon the ability of the parties to receive a fair and impartial trial.