Court Opinion

ID: 9539400
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 16:03:44.023457+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:58:47.749388
License: Public Domain

Robb, J.
(concurring specially): I agree with the ordering of a new trial for defendant. However, I would have granted it upon *505the first question raised by the objection of defendant to the tape recording of his arraignment and the setting of his bond. I believe that official court proceedings should not be used as program material by radio, television, or other broadcasting media. Members of the bench and bar should not allow judicial proceedings to be used as a source of entertainment even though it may afford a particular judge or attorney some publicity which could not otherwise be obtained. Such practices are forbidden by Canon No. 35 of the Code of Judicial Ethics which reads:
“Proceedings in court should be conducted with fitting dignity and decorum. The taking of photographs in the court room, during sessions of the court or recesses between sessions, and the broadcasting or televising of court proceedings are calculated to detract from the essential dignity of the proceedings, distract the witness in giving his testimony, degrade the court, and create misconceptions with respect thereto in the mind of the public and should not be permitted.
“Provided that this restriction shall not apply to the broadcasting or televising, under the supervision of the court, of such portions of naturalization proceedings (other than the interrogation of applicants) as are designed and carried out exclusively as a ceremony for the purpose of publicly demonstrating in an impressive manner the essential dignity and the serious nature of naturalization.”
Many in tbe legal profession are of recognized proficiency in the field of entertainment by reason of musical or dramatic ability but when the life, liberty, and property of fellow citizens are at stake before our courts, we as judges and lawyers have a duty to see that at no time is there anything in the courtroom which will detract the attention of the judge and the attorneys, the witnesses and the court reporter, as well as that of the jury. It approaches the ridiculous to require a judge to maintain good decorum among the spectators in the courtroom and then permit picture apparatus to be set up, recording machines to be placed, and lights or flashbulbs to be used in the presence of the judge in order to record a commercially sponsored program for later news broadcasting over a local radio station.
Defendant is entitled to a new trial because he did not have an arraignment and his bond fixed in an appropriate judicial proceeding and this is especially true where he was charged with the commission of a crime which carries a penalty of death or imprisonment for life, or at least for a term of years which could not be less than twenty years.
*506If such a practice as above described is ever allowed to begin, limits will be impossible to determine and faith and respect for all judicial proceedings will be lessened.