Transparency in our Courts - There was a dl.tv episode that showed the technology the race car business has. Sensors for temperature, motion, database collections on the car and the race track. You basically could view from within the driver's seat. Their video broadcasting statio

**Member** Joined: Jun 12, 2007 Posts: 3128

Just a thought that has been running around my pea brain is what kind of a difference it may have made in McAuliffe's court if their have been a video camera?

Since Sherry Peel Jackson trial is now coming up I wonder if this could be achieved. I imagine that one would have to get permission from the court.
One can be discrete in this matter, couldn't one.

We need to have transparency in the courts. We need to shine a light on all proceedings. Why this has not been demanded by the people is beyond me. Few people will ever have to go to courts in their life times. People will have little information about what goes on there. If we start shinning a light on the judicial system, hopefully we will see our courts restored to some kind of justice with which the American people can identify. Otherwise, it will be business as usual in our corporate courts.

Can't help but muse over how small and discrete these little video cameras are today. A group of them spread around a court room to viedo approximately 15 minutes each surely would not interfer with any of the proceedings. One would have to be sure never to video the jury, but other than that I don't see where there should be any objections. Then again, I really don't know how to go about all of this, but I am sure there are a bunch of you out there who do.

Recruit Joined: Aug 08, 2007 Posts: 131

The only exception to not video a jury would be if the case was a life and death matter for protection of people. Otherwise I believe every action of the court should be documented by video. The first amendment for freedom of the press is one of the checks and balances needed to make sure government in kept in line. If Congress shall make no law for anyone to stifle the first amendment then the courts technically would have no authority over the press.

One requirement to enhance this idea is that the video must be live video. Taped sessions would probably be edited and censored out in some sections.

**Member** Joined: Apr 25, 2007 Posts: 1235

rjinspired,

you mentioned the exception for life and death matters for peoples safety (or at least that's how I interpreted it). Have you ever seen the Indy 500 sp? these days, where they have a little arrow that follows the cars on the screen as they move showing their place number? I don't know if this is done by a tracking device in each car, or if it is edited in. If it was a tracking device, the device could be worn in the room and those people's faces could be blurred out automatically. Then I was thinking if someone wants to hide their name, they could push a button to bleep themselves out, but everyone in the room would be able to see when bleeping was occurring so that someone doesn't bleep out a whole portion of info. I'm just brainstorming.

Are cameras allowed in courthouses? I know knives aren't, and there is a metal detector and guard locally.

**Member** Joined: Jun 12, 2007 Posts: 3128

During the Menendez Brothers case cameras were allowed. Also in O.J. Simpson case the judge allowed cameras just to name a few. I believe the judge sitting on the case has to give his approval before cameras are allowed in the courtroom.

However, there is justification for some instances of civil disobedience, is there not. Maybe Sherry Jackson's case is one of those, more knowledgable people that I am will have to decide on that.

Recruit Joined: Aug 08, 2007 Posts: 131

There was a dl.tv episode that showed the technology the race car business has. Sensors for temperature, motion, database collections on the car and the race track. You basically could view from within the driver's seat. Their video broadcasting stations are far better than a regular news studio.

It wouldn't surprise me if a lot of their equipment is military grade.

Life and death such as witness protection of a juror in private cases involving gangs, mafias, etc where showing up for court would sacrifice the person.