Premium Essay

Cameras Should Be Place in Courtrooms

In:

Submitted By paolo09
Words 302
Pages 2
Should Cameras Be Placed in Courtrooms So That Criminal Trials Can Be Televised?

It is axiomatic in democracy that everyone has access to the justice system and has the right to know how those laws are enforced. This can be ensured by having trials in courtrooms televised. Whether to have cameras in courtrooms or not was a huge debate that began back in 1977 in Miami (May 2008). After a long debate higher court judges decided to allow trials to be televised in Miami. Those debates never ended because of different judges all over the world having different opinions. Personally speaking, cameras should be allowed in courtrooms so that criminal trials can be televised, to make it clear to people what circumstances they would face if they were to do anything illegal.

In every country in the world laws are made in the parliament by the government in regards to the opinions of higher court judges. Many proceedings carried in the parliament are allowed to be televised so that citizens can know what the laws they should abide by are. The irony in televising parliament proceedings is that people are allowed to watch laws being made, but they cannot see how they are being enforced. If criminal trials are televised then people can know how those laws are being enforced and would be more cautious by restraining themselves from breaking the law. This is because they would know what the circumstances of their actions are, thanks to the televised criminal trials. In the United States TV cameras are allowed in all courtrooms, in every state except for South Dakota, Indiana and Mississippi (2006). They also have a TV channel called Court TV were many different courtroom trials are aired, for the citizens to know exactly how the law is being

Similar Documents

Free Essay

7-Eleven

...Greg Fleming PSYC 508 3/14/14 Position Paper #1 When most individuals think of television in the courtroom, they think of Judge Judy, Judge Mathis, or even Judge Lopez. Although these TV shows do exist, the reality of it is actually becoming more common among every day trials. There are several pros and cons to having television present in the courtroom. The pros and cons could be the dynamic affect it has on the actual trial process. Having camera’s present, can actually enhance or degrade the trial process. Some individuals argue whether it is fair to the defendant or does it violate the defendants right to due process. Whether or not defendants agree to the thought of having a camera present during trial, it is not entirely up to them. Some individuals would argue that camera’s in the courtroom are beneficial to a case. There are many pros and cons with having camera’s in the courtroom. When cameras were first present in the courtroom, some audiences began to feel that it might interfere with the sincerity of the case. During the OJ Simpson trial was a prime example of this. Some individuals were unsure whether the attorneys were acting for the cameras or if they were simply elaborating so that the jury could receive and retain important components of the case. Others may argue that having a televised trial may actually encourage the credibility of the witnesses to be truthful. Research has shown that camera’s offer insight...

Words: 899 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Media and the Courtroom

...Despite the fact that it is good for people to be aware of what is going on around them, there has to be a line to how much media can interfere into life of others. The presence of media in the courtroom assures that people would be informed of how the legal system works besides of being an observer of a fair and unbiased trail. But their presence in the courtroom with cameras, tapes, and other especial equipments would cause more harm than benefit. Freedom of speech in addition to people’s interest in drama of the courtroom stimulates media’s curiosity in legal matters, and sometimes this curiosity will defy the privacy of others. Media’s influence on public and especially on jury repeatedly has caused the change of the verdict, an example of this influence is a case from Capital Defense Network; “Conviction for murders, armed robbery and attempted rape with a punishment of death was reversed and remanded for retrial because juror read news accounts detailing defendant's prior assault of a woman with a hammer. Defendant's prior was excluded from trial because prejudice was found to be greater than probity with respect to this conviction.” [People v. Holloway. 790 P.2d 1327 (Cal. 1990).] Another example from Capital Defense Network that indicate how media involvement in courtroom and trails can waste time and money of the taxpayers, and more significantly change the aspect of justice for an...

Words: 2179 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Media in the Courtroom

...Media In The Courtroom Media in the courtroom can profoundly change and alter the outcome of a trial by allowing society to form an opinion before justice prevails. How is that possible, from Judge Judy to the Supreme Court society wants to be involved by any means possible to give their opinion on how justice should prevail? The journalists and television companies sell this belief, they hide behind the first amendment rights to air and publish any information that in turn helps to sell their product. Society is blinded by the need to know mentality, they have not realized the end results may not end in their favor. The only time society sees an error in our system is when the error affects their lives. Reality T.V is a catalyst to this need to know mentality. Cameras, Television, Radio, Internet, and Journalists these are the instruments that set criminals free. Ladies and Gentlemen I intend to prove without a reason of doubt that media in the courtroom is detrimental to the process of a fair trial and a defendants right to due process. As John Q public should be aware the justice system is a process to keep society safe, if they interfere with that process how can they say lady justice prevailed. Let’s say they have a defendant who has been accused of killing 10 people he has signed a confession of guilt and of course has hired a lawyer. First he is arrested and informed of his rights. Next they go into the courtroom where a judge informs him of his rights and his...

Words: 1170 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

How Should Police Officers Use Body Cameras

...Police officers should use body cameras. There are about 78,000 calls made in a day to the number “911” as we all know as the police station, which means that 20% to 30% of the population of the United States are in a different type of emergency. There are many different posts in the police station, calling is just the first step to ensure we get the right treatment we should be getting. The next step is to try to resolve the problem without using force. As we know, police officers are up for those jobs and are believed to be at the the for certain things. As we may know police officers are here to help but most of the time they can't help us without taking us to court and telling them what happened, so that is where body cameras come in and help them decide whether he/her should go to prison. Body...

Words: 486 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Taarud

...Download copies of all seven handbooks in the series at: www.lfcc.on.ca Disponible également en français sous le titre « Un récit complet et franc » / Recours à des arrangements spéciaux et aux aides au témoignage pour faciliter le témoignage des enfants : Enregistrement vidéo. © 2007 Centre for Children and Families in the Justice System (London Family Court Clinic, Inc.) Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication Cunningham, Alison J., 1959A full and candid account : using special accommodations and testimonial aids to facilitate the testimony of children / by Alison Cunningham and Pamela Hurley. Includes bibliographical references. Contents: book 1. Overview of issues related to child testimony – book 2. Testimony outside the courtroom – book 3. Witness screens – book 4. Video-recorded evidence – book 5. Designated support person – book 6. Hearsay evidence and children – book 7. Children & teenagers testifying in domestic violence cases. Text in English and French, on inverted pages. ISBN 978-1-895953-34-3 (v. 1).–ISBN 978-1895953-35-0 (v. 2).–ISBN 978-1-895953-36-7 (v. 3).–ISBN 978-1-895953-37-4 (v. 4).–ISBN 9781-895953-38-1 (v. 5).–ISBN 978-1-895953-39-8 (v. 6).–ISBN 978-1-895953-40-4 (v. 7) 1. Child witnesses – Canada. 2. Child witnesses – Services for – Canada. 3. Abused children –...

Words: 5531 - Pages: 23

Free Essay

Rape Shield Law

...law that denies a defendant the ability to a cross-examine rape complainant or evidence about their conduct in sexual behavior in the past (Portlock, 2007). It may also be used to refer to a law that prohibits media sources from publishing the identity of an individual who is accused of rape. This law was established so that it could eliminate cases whereby an individual is tried using their clothing, sexual behavior or attitude showed in the past. However, the application of this law varies from one state to another. There some states that require that the rape complaint to have taken place with a specified time (Spohn & Horney, 2013). This difference results from the fact that states apply the ‘fresh complaint’ doctrine in different ways. A fresh complain is one in which the complainant reasonably, promptly and voluntarily makes the complaint once the sexual abuse has taken place. Why States have Enacted Rape Shield Laws Rape shield laws have been passed in most of the states so as to ensure that rape victims are protected from psychological and emotional trauma that could result from their narration of their sexual history while in the witness stand. There are several cases where rape victims have failed to report and pursue such charges due to their fear of humiliation. The rape shield laws enacted in these states serve three principal purposes. First, they prohibit the release of evidence on the sexual reputation of the complainant (Hilsheimer,...

Words: 1035 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Gokbolikh

...In a Grove by Ryunosuke Akutagawa Compared to Rashomon by Akira Kurosawa By Emily Bramlett In the short story In a Grove and the 1950’s movie Rashomon, we can see the clear differences between the freedom of being a writer, and the freedom of being a director. In many book to movie adaptations, we can lose many different details and meanings that the author had wanted to display. In this analytical paper I will explore both the similarities and differences in theme and content between In a Grove by Ryunosuke Akutagawa and the movie Rashomon by Akira Kurosawa. Between the short story and the book, we see that most of the story remains unchanged. For example, the testimonies between the Woodcutter, Tajomaru, Takehiro, and Masago are barely changed and use many quotes directly from the story itself. Minor differences that occur between the story and the movie would be any kind of fighting sequence between Takehiro and Tajomaru. Each fight is drawn out to show, and explore, the tension between the two men. The sword fight and deul lasts roughly five minutes to show the dramatization of the fight and feeling compelled by all characters involved. We can see how tired each man gets and how torn Masago is. In a story we do not get to see that type of drama, we can only take another character’s word for what they were feeling and experiencing. The changes between the two adaptation are prevalent as well. In the story we have a testimony by Masago’s mother. In the film...

Words: 1344 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Jodi Arias Trial

...ensure justice is served swiftly and fairly, thus creating a strong and effective criminal justice system. Description of the Crime Jodi Arias was arrested in July 2008 for the brutal murder of her boyfriend, Travis Alexander. Travis was stabbed twenty-seven times; his throat was cut, and he was shot in the head in his Mesa, Arizona home. Jodi and Travis met at a Prepaid Legal conference and began dating. They fell in love, travelled together, and attended the Mormon Church together. Shortly thereafter, Travis ended the relationship with Jodi to pursue someone he found suitable for marriage. In the months following, friends of Travis say Jodi stalked him, although she denies these allegations. Following the murder, detectives found a camera in the victim’s washing machine. The...

Words: 1603 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Crime to Corrections

...corrections process as it applies to a federal case. The brief is intended to make the public aware of how law enforcement, the judicial system, and corrections all work together to try to make the process through the legal system as smooth as possible to maintain due process while upholding the law.   Welcome, I understand this is a difficult and confusing time for you if you are here because of the recent arrests that occurred. I am going to explain in detail to you the steps that will be taken as each suspect is processed through the jail. I will then discuss the pretrial measures as required by law to protect the defendant as well as the victims in this case. Finally, I will discuss pretrial steps as well as what will occur should a federal trial take place for the defendant. Please hold any questions till the end of my briefing so we can get through all the information as there is a lot of it. First, let me discuss the arrest. This morning, at approximately 6:00a.m., Federal officers, with the support of 50 local officers and State troopers, rounded up and arrested several gang members believed to be suspects in a Federal Investigation. Following the arrest each suspect was booked into the local jail. Fingerprints, pictures, and personal information were taken at...

Words: 1858 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

To Kill A Mockingbird Movie Vs Movie Essay

... the situation is diffused and the men leave Tom unscathed. This scene had some of the best camera work I seen in the movie. The scene starts out as kids go near a bush to spy on Mr. Finch and they see him sitting in a chair reading a newspaper, when they see that he is fine they decide to leave but As soon as they move the camera switches to Mr. Finch and you can hear cars approaching in the distance and you can see Mr. Cunningham and a gang of townspeople approach Mr. Finch and tell him to move out the way, which he refuses and you see the townspeople’s reaction. As the altercation goes on you see the kids get nervous and move closer behind the gang. Scout then gets worried and runs to Atticus along with the rest of the kids to his aid. The director switches between the townspeople and Mr. Finch with the kids directly. Back then no special camera techniques were used especially in this film so I didn’t see any special movement with the camera, only direct angle shots and technique’s. I felt shocked and disturbed when I saw this scene because things like this happens all the time now days it made me angry actually and I later went on Facebook to rant on prejudice in the 21st century. Every time I see this scene in particular in reminds me of our founding fathers and heroes who fought a never ending battle to stop these types of things and how we can make this world a much better place for our future children. In summary I think the story got a pretty good jest of the story...

Words: 1432 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Ethics

...Ethics William Bray BUS610: Organizational Behavior Instructor: Dwight Reimer October 17,2011 To do or not to do that is the question. Business Ethics is a concept that must be studied worldwide to determine what is appropriate across all cultures and societies. Ethics is mainly needed in matters that have to do with the gray areas in our lives. When moral decisions are black and white, knowing what we should do is easy. We may not live up to our convictions all the time, but often one may find that there is no question in his or her mind of what one ought to do. Though many people disagree about the definition of right and wrong all the time it has been significant to education and business practices to consider what the concept of ethical behavior actually entails. Business ethics is the written and unwritten rules, standards and policies that businesses deal and govern the actions that occur daily within the organization, the world and the interactions between the company and the customer. There are a variety of ethical issues that are apparent within various organizations today. These issues constitute the study surrounding ethics that helps businesses keep their organizations from falling through the cracks of unethical behavior that may have been or may be popular amongst certain groups in the business workforce. Among these ethical issues falls within the idea that specifically organizations that have a diverse workforce and how they have become the conflict...

Words: 883 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

12 Angry Men

...Issues 12 Angry Men (original title: 12 Angry Men) is an American film from 1957, written by Reginald Rose. The film received three Academy Award nominations, best picture, best director and best adapted screenplay. It is an excellent example of 1950s social awareness and preparation of the common people in everyday situations. The film is thus a purely naturalistic wonders where all the action happens in real time, except for the film's beginning and end, in one place. Historically, we can look at the film in the context of the year of publication, 1957. USA was at this time in a political transition period. The civil rights movement was already well underway with the judgment of Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 and the bus boycott in Montgomery in 1956. Many of the film's themes is about racial and social inequalities which characterize this era in American history. The film is critical of society and provokes important social issues in the course of action. Examples are "class differences", "justice", "doubt", "one-to-many" and "the relationship between father and son." Together these stresses, a specific, comprehensive theme through action races, namely the "prejudice". Jury members' prejudices and personal insights against the accused, the trial and to one another is driving both the problem and the resolution of the action. The problem is thus as follows: How are the jury members' judgment influenced by prejudice? Action Report It is late summer...

Words: 4640 - Pages: 19

Premium Essay

Criminolgy in the Future

...of the criminal justice system, from the examination to the trial of crimes. The advancement of technology is already in its most profound stage of conformity. It is allowing us to be visually able to see individuals from space via satellite and target their intellect by viewing what it is they are arranging criminally and for us to use that information to our advantage. Other directions of crime fighting and its role in social policy implications suggest that we are also setting up to not only visually be ahead of the game and criminals in the future but also that we are asking it possible for us to listen more openly to conversations that are being exchanged between criminals. This alone is substantial information that sticks in the courtroom when it comes to putting these individuals behind bars for their criminal acts. There are so many forms of technology that we use such as surveillance drones that are used for beta-testing, which is a video-based crowd-sourcing software program to solve crimes. This technology searches the crowd for individuals who are criminal and listens...

Words: 2184 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Research Manual

...AHS RESEARCH MANUAL 2011 Student: __________________________ TERESA STERCHI KIM BROWN AHS LIBRARY CONTENTS PREPARATION OF THE RESEARCH PAPER........................................................1 SELECTING AND LIMITING THE TOPIC............................................................1 PREPARING A WORKING BIBLIOGRAPHY AND EVALUATING SOURCES…………….2 READING AND TAKING NOTES........................................................................3 DEVELOPING A WORKING OUTLINE/PLAN…………………………………………………….5 DOCUMENTING AND CITING SOURCES USING MLA STYLE……………..……………..7 WRITING THE PAPER…………………………………..…………………...........................18 MLA STYLE OF PARENTHETICAL/IN-TEXT CITATIONS………………………………….19 PLACING CITATIONS IN THE PAPER…………………………………………………………..21 FORMATTING AND TYPING THE REPORT USING THE MLA STYLE…………………26 TYPING THE WORKS CITED PAGE AND SAMPLE TITLE PAGE..........................29 PREPARATION Research is the process of gathering information from different sources on a particular topic. In daily life students may research buying a song on the Internet, buying a new MP3 player, an iPod, or any other product of interest. At school, students may have to research a historical topic, an author or literary work, or a contemporary issue and present their findings in a paper, PowerPoint presentation, or in a movie format. All of this is part of the process of asking questions, looking at the available information, and coming to a conclusion based...

Words: 8231 - Pages: 33

Premium Essay

Research Manual

...AHS RESEARCH MANUAL 2011 Student: __________________________ TERESA STERCHI KIM BROWN AHS LIBRARY CONTENTS PREPARATION OF THE RESEARCH PAPER........................................................1 SELECTING AND LIMITING THE TOPIC............................................................1 PREPARING A WORKING BIBLIOGRAPHY AND EVALUATING SOURCES…………….2 READING AND TAKING NOTES........................................................................3 DEVELOPING A WORKING OUTLINE/PLAN…………………………………………………….5 DOCUMENTING AND CITING SOURCES USING MLA STYLE……………..……………..7 WRITING THE PAPER…………………………………..…………………...........................18 MLA STYLE OF PARENTHETICAL/IN-TEXT CITATIONS………………………………….19 PLACING CITATIONS IN THE PAPER…………………………………………………………..21 FORMATTING AND TYPING THE REPORT USING THE MLA STYLE…………………26 TYPING THE WORKS CITED PAGE AND SAMPLE TITLE PAGE..........................29 PREPARATION Research is the process of gathering information from different sources on a particular topic. In daily life students may research buying a song on the Internet, buying a new MP3 player, an iPod, or any other product of interest. At school, students may have to research a historical topic, an author or literary work, or a contemporary issue and present their findings in a paper, PowerPoint presentation, or in a movie format. All of this is part of the process of asking questions, looking at the available information, and coming to a conclusion based...

Words: 8231 - Pages: 33