Supreme Court hears pros, cons of cameras in court

by Brian Bakst, Associated Press

St. Paul (AP) — Minnesota Supreme Court justices are weighing a petition to ease rules that effectively prevent televised trials.

The high court fielded two hours of testimony from judges, lawyers, victims' advocates and a TV reporter. They also heard from two judges from states that allow broader camera access to courtrooms.

The court didn't give a timetable for action.

Minnesota's judicial rules permit TV cameras in court if the judge, prosecution and defense all sign off - something that has seldom happened since the rule was enacted in 1983.

A news media coalition says Minnesota trails 35 states in electronic media access to court proceedings. But justices heard a passionate defense of the status quo from people who fear such coverage could deter witnesses or victims from reporting some crimes.