More states opening courts to camera coverage

If your state has not opened its courtrooms to cameras, it is part of a shrinking minority. All the state "have declared themselves willing to open up some court business to cameras, although the levels of openness vary from state to state," reports Maggie Clark of Stateline. "Within the last year, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Illinois have all amended their court procedures to be more camera-friendly." (iStock Photo)

But the devil has been in the details. “Lots of states say they permit cameras,” says Kirby, “but there are a lot of barriers,” Radio Television Digital News Association General Counsel Kathy Kirby told Clark. Until last March, Minnesota required journalists apply for camera access before a trial, and a party to the case could refuse access, so few trials were opened. Minnesota’s Supreme Court now allows only district judges to bar cameras.

Clark's story is pretty comprehensive, and mentions several states. To read it, click here.