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 [...]
