Columbia Standard

U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Chuck Grassley have introduced a bill aimed at increasing transparency in the Supreme Court by requiring open proceedings to be televised. The bipartisan Cameras in the Courtroom Act mandates that the Supreme Court allow television coverage of all open sessions unless a majority of justices decide it would violate due process rights.

Durbin emphasized, “It’s time to put cameras in the Supreme Court so Americans can finally see arguments and decisions in cases that will affect them for generations to come. This bipartisan bill shines a light into the judicial branch of government so more than just a few hundred lucky Americans can watch proceedings in the Court’s historic halls.”

Grassley added, “The judicial branch has a massive impact on our daily lives and the lives of generations to come, yet few Americans get the chance to see our nation’s courts in action. Allowing cameras access to the federal and Supreme Courts would boost transparency and help Americans grow in confidence and understanding of the judiciary.”

Representative Gerry Connolly introduced similar legislation in the House. He stated, “Our nation’s highest court is in desperate need of transparency and reform. The Supreme Court is not some mystical priesthood that can operate outside of the public view. It is a coequal branch of government and must be accountable to the American public. Our legislation strengthens efforts to restore trust in an institution that for too long has operated in the dark. It’s time for cameras in the courtroom.”

Traditionally, only those who secure seats on a first-come basis can attend oral arguments at the Supreme Court. Others rely on secondhand reports or delayed audio recordings, though live audio was made available during remote sessions amid COVID-19 precautions starting May 2020.

The proposed act focuses solely on open sessions where public attendance is already allowed but limited by seating constraints. By televising these sessions, proponents argue it would lead to greater accountability and understanding of judicial processes.

Senators Richard Blumenthal and Amy Klobuchar are also co-sponsors of this legislation.