Grassley Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Allow Cameras in Federal Courtrooms

Press Release

Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today introduced bipartisan legislation to improve public access to the federal judiciary by granting judges the ability to allow cameras in federal courtrooms. The Sunshine in the Courtroom Act permits media coverage of trial and appellate cases to improve public access to the federal judiciary's processes and procedures while installing appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy of witnesses and jurors and ensuring the due process protections remain intact.

"Our federal court system is a beacon of justice and fairness, and the implications of its decisions have resonated throughout American history. Yet, many Americans may never be able to witness this process firsthand. Video coverage of our courts can be a great learning tool for the American people and will contribute to a better understanding of and appreciation for the American judicial system. As C-SPAN's coverage of the House and Senate has led to greater transparency of the legislative branch of government, opening up our federal courts to the public can also lead to improved transparency and accountability in the judiciary," Grassley said.

This bill grants the presiding judge in all federal courts, including the Supreme Court, the discretion to allow cameras in the courtroom while protecting the identities of witnesses and jurors when necessary or upon request. It also prohibits media coverage of private conversations between clients and counsel, between opposing attorneys, and between counsel and the presiding judge. The bill contains a three-year sunset provision, requiring Congress to evaluate how media access is impacting the judiciary.

All 50 states currently allow some form of audio/video coverage of court proceedings under a variety of rules and conditions, however federal court rules vary by district. Many federal courts, including the Supreme Court, prohibit the use live media coverage. Public scrutiny of federal court proceedings will produce greater accountability and transparency of the judiciary system.

Grassley is also the lead cosponsor of separate legislation requiring television camera access in U.S. Supreme Court oral argument proceedings. The bills coincide with Sunshine Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of transparency in government.

Grassley's bill was introduced with Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y), who has joined Grassley in this effort since 1999. It is also cosponsored by senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).

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