Local judges will have final decision
By DAVE SCHULTZ
Indiana judges will have the option, as of May 1, to allow cameras — for video and still photography — into their courtrooms as of May 1.
The decision, by the members of the Indiana Supreme Court, follows a four-month pilot program.
Cameras will be prohibited in courtrooms unless the presiding judge approves them. Certain conditions are included — certain people (minors and jurors) may not be shown on camera, the use of cameras is limited to news media meeting the court’s technical definition, and — perhaps most significantly — “the judge may revoke authorization at any time for any reason.”
Circuit Court Judge Kent Kiracofe, who holds the primary position for court procedures in Wells County, said this afternoon shortly after the announcement was made that he and Superior Court Judge Andrew Antrim have not had a chance to talk about it. He said, however, that he was “probably cautious about it.”
Some preliminary court procedures in Wells County are now done by video, and there are three cameras in the courtroom so that all involved in those procedures can see what is going on in the courtroom. That doesn’t leave a lot of room in the courtroom for media cameras — although pool coverage, where one video camera and one print camera provide images for other media outlets to use, could be a possibility in the future.
The Indiana Supreme Court’s decision followed the pilot program which took place in five courts. The announcement cited “Longtime work by the Indiana Judicial Conference Community Relations Committee and Court Security Committee, along with the Hoosier State Press Association and the Indiana Broadcasters Association, led to the most recent pilot project.”
“This is the culmination of years of work and pilot projects with discussion and evaluation,” said Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush. “Trial court judges are in the best position to determine how to balance the importance of transparency while protecting the rights of people involved in a court matter.”
Rule 2.17 of the Code of Judicial Conduct has long prohibited broadcasting, recording, or taking photographs of court proceedings and areas adjacent to courtrooms without prior approval by the Indiana Supreme Court. The new order amends that regulation as of May 1.
daves@news-banner.com
