Judicial report kills cameras in Maryland's courtrooms

An 80-page report filed by the Committee to Study Media Coverage of Trial Proceedings in Maryland has unanimously voted to continue to forbid audio and video recordings of criminal trial proceedings.

The report of the six-judge committee wrote:

"The Committee weighed the potential benefits of extended media coverage -
primarily increased public awareness of the criminal trial process - against its potential to
adversely impact trial participants, interfere with the fact-finding process, and impair public
confidence in the criminal justice system. After completing its review, the Committee
determined that the putative benefits of electronic media coverage are illusory, while the
adverse impacts on the criminal justice process are real. The Committee, therefore,
concluded unanimously that the current statutory ban on cameras in criminal trial courts
should remain in effect."

The Society of Professional Journalists Maryland Pro Chapter testified in favor of opening the courtrooms to audio and video recording last November. The chapter also testified in favor of a bill that would open the criminal sentencing portion of criminal trials to such recording.

The continued ban of cameras and audio recording limits the public's access to view court proceedings and monitor the judicial branch of government. Neither the legislative nor the executive branches of government have similar exemptions to such scrutiny.

The chapter is disappointed by the panel's decision but vows to continue to push for more openness in our state's courtrooms.

— Bryan P. Sears
chapter president