Introduction

Efforts to begin limiting the broadcasting of courtroom proceedings began after the 1935 Lindbergh baby trial, with concerns about the presence of the press influencing the outcome of the trial (Free Speech Center). Since that time, an array of different policies across state and federal courts have ebbed and flowed. Specific to the U.S. Supreme Court, while audio recordings of each oral argument had been available in some manner since 1955, the Court first began releasing same-day audio recordings in 2010.
More recently, during the Coronavirus pandemic, in-person Supreme Court trials were put on pause. As the Court met virtually, it opted to provide an audio live-stream of its proceedings and allow “people to listen to arguments remotely for the first time in the court’s history” (Center for American Progress). While the Court has continued this relatively new practice of allowing audio access to its live-streamed oral arguments, public sentiment about the Court shows that increased access is still desirable.

In C-SPAN’s 2022 Supreme Court survey, 65% of respondents indicated that they agree that the Supreme Court should allow television coverage of its oral arguments. In the same survey, 70% of respondents further stated that allowing television coverage of such proceedings would build trust in the Court’s process and the rulings it makes. Supporters of such a change argue that televised oral arguments would improve transparency and provide other “educational, historical, and civic benefits” (Judicature). However, opponents to the televised broadcast of oral arguments believe that cameras could “impede” the Court’s processes (SCOTUSBlog).

So, what should be done? This deliberation includes ten video clips, four articles, and several educational activities to guide students through a review of the debate over the public television broadcasting of the Supreme Court’s proceedings. After a careful review of multiple perspectives, students will determine whether there should be cameras in the Supreme Court and be presented with several optional extensions to take an active role in the debate.

Objectives and Outcomes

• Students will be able to describe key vocabulary terms and concepts associated with the debate surrounding cameras in the Supreme Court.
  
  
• Students will be able to identify and explain aspects of the debate regarding cameras in the Supreme Court, including those arguments related to transparency, accountability, access, and the judicial process, among others.
  
  
• Students will be able to evaluate arguments related to cameras in the Supreme Court and formulate an opinion on this question.