courtroom access Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Tennessee Coalition for Open Government

TBA urges change in proposed rules for media coverage in courtrooms

By Deborah Fisher|2015-08-18T07:16:32-05:00July 24, 2015|Categories: Open Courts|Tags: court coverage, courtroom access, John Williams, Lucian Pera, Rule 30, Tennessee Supreme Court|1 Comment

The Tennessee Bar Association applauded the Tennessee Supreme Court's initiative to update its rules on media coverage in courtrooms in comments filed Thursday, but suggested changes to the court's proposal regarding usage of electronic devices like laptops and smartphones. At issue are the court's proposed changes to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 30, enacted in 1996, that govern the use of cameras in the courtroom by media. In general, the rule outlines guidelines designed to avoid disruption or distraction during courtroom proceedings while upholding the openness of Tennessee courts and providing media a process to request use of camera equipment in advance. In March, the Tennessee Supreme Court published proposed changes in [...]

Knox County judge reverses camera ban in courtroom

The Knoxville News Sentinel and WBIR challenged a camera ban in the courtroom of a newly elected chancellor, and got a reversal. The judge had refused the newspaper's request to photograph his first day on the bench. The newspaper made the request under the Supreme Court Rule 30, which governs media coverage in courtrooms. The rule basically allows a judge an ability to limit or refuse media coverage in certain circumstances "to (i) control the conduct of the proceedings before the court; (ii) maintain decorum and prevent distractions; (iii) guarantee the safety of any party, witness, or juror; and (iv) ensure the fair administration of justice in the pending cause..." There [...]