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The majority of respondents in a Indiana Supreme Court’s Office of Communication, Education, and Outreach survey believe the use of news media cameras in courtrooms has been successful so far.
The results included 43 responses from media members and 67 responses from judicial officers.
According to the survey, 88% of media respondents and 85% of judges say the initiative is “good” or “great” so far.
Court staff cited usual “growing pains” during the first year media cameras were allowed in trial courtrooms, pointing to one example where two jurors were briefly and unintentionally shown on a live television stream during pool coverage of a verdict.
In response to the mistake, the media involved acknowledged the rule violation and worked to make sure no unauthorized footage was used in their reporting.
Judges, however, expressed their concerns about managing non-authorized parties.
One judge said they were distracted during presentation of evidence because they’re making sure the media is following directions.
“When there are no cameras, I can focus completely on the evidence as it is presented,” the judge said. “With cameras, I have to turn my attention during the presentation of evidence to ensure that the media is following my directions. Just one more responsibility added upon us. I am sure that with the passage of time, the distraction to me will diminish, but that is something for consideration.”
The survey results also included suggestions to improve the cameras in the courtroom initiative. These suggestions include the following:
- Create a statewide online request system instead of paper forms
- Accept email submissions instead of requiring FAX submissions
- Grant access for all hearings in a case instead of one at a time
- Develop a policy for handling requests where advance notice isn’t possible
- Respond to every request
- Approve more requests and/or be consistent with approving them
- Offer detailed explanations for why requests are denied
- Only deny cameras if there is a compelling reason to keep them out
- Allow cameras, especially for a high-profile case
During the first year, press coverage included 255 requests (158 listed as granted and 59 denied) for cameras in the courtrooms compared to the more than one million cases filed in Indiana trial courts every year.
Results from the survey are used to inform the court’s outreach office as they offer guidance and training to judges, said Kathryn Dolan, chief public information officer for the outreach office.
“Many judges and their staff and many reporters and photographers are committed to the camera in court initiative and the communication office is glad to serve as a conduit for information and education,” Dolan said in an email.
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