Should we televise Supreme Court sessions?

[white_wolf]

A new bill has been proposed that would require TV coverage of the Court's open sessions. What do you all think? I don't think it would hurt. One of the arguments against it is that Justices might be tempted to end up like Congressman and throw around soundbytes, but since they are appointed for life, I doubt that would be a problem.

Story link: http://news.yahoo.com/senate-panel-approves-bill-televise-high-court-201018463.html

[JoePhilly]

1. Yes.

[JDPriestly]

2. Yes.

[MrCoffee]

3. No.

Congress does not have the authority to order the Supreme Court to install cameras.

[white_wolf]

5. Why wouldn't they? n/t

[Nuclear Unicorn]

6. If the SCOTUS says they don't want cameras, who decides?

Honest question.

[white_wolf]

9. Well Congress does have authority to regulate the Court to an extent.

I doubt this law would be unconstitutional, even if the Court hates it.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

10. But if there is a dispute the adjudicating branch is the complaintant

Even then, if congress told SCOTUS to stuff it congress has no enforcement powers. That's the executive branch.

Now president is going to risk SCOTUS ire or ignore separation of powers.

Personally, I think it would be a cool idea. Educational. Awesome. A total poli-law junkie like me would give up sex to watch (or use it for porn) but in reality I don't think the separate branches should be imposing on each other unless an absolute crisis would occur if they don't.

[renie408]

7. Question:

Are 'open sessions' supposed to be open to the public? Couldn't you argue that televising the proceedings allows more of the public to be 'present'? I would guess the idea behind an open session is to promote clarity in the judicial process, right? So wouldn't televising them be a logical next step? Is that something somebody could petition the court for if Congress doesn't have the authority to order it?

[renie408]

4. I think it would be pretty cool. n/t

[Poll_Blind]

8. Yes, without a doubt. I've listened to a few audio recordings of Supreme Court pleadings and I...

...can say there is no way that having televised court sessions is going to impact the proceedings. The justices are ruthless, blunt and aware of the power they hold while hearing arguments. They sometimes toy with those presenting their case, pouncing on them when they slip up.

It is the jungle of law in that courtroom and those justices are the lions. Everyone else is fair game unless they can outwit, out-argue and out-pace them that sit on the bench.

And that's with no cameras present. There is no way it could get worse with them and it would be fascinating to watch. I sure as hell would watch recordings of the proceedings.

PB

[thelordofhell]

11. So we can see Justice Thomas sleep through the sessions?

I guess you have to take the bad with the good

[Vadem]

12. Absolutely!!! We need to keep a watch on what is happening in the USSC! n/t