Indiana tries out cameras in courtrooms

Indiana tries out cameras in courtrooms | ZDNet Government Blog | ZDNet.com:

"One of the hallmarks of the modern age of journalism has been the courtroom illustrator. He may soon be tossed in the dustbin of history as state courts are increasingly allowing cameras into court. While the Supreme Court has cast serious doubt as to whether it will ever allow cameras in federal courts, states like Indiana are experimenting with the idea, the Indianapolis Star reports.

A few of the benefits: lawyers are on better behavior and are better prepared; there has been little showboating; and cameras are not disrupting procedures. On the other hand, one attorney complained it was hard to enter court because of the media and the cameras do make a clicking sound. One fix is to use a digital camera with a muffler attachment. Under the rules set up for the experiment, the trial court and parties must agree; only one video camera, one still camera and three audio recorders are allowed; and there's no photography of minors, undercover agents and police informants."