Steve Chabot: “I rise in support of the Judicial Reform Act. This legislation contains language authored by the gentleman from New York…”

“I rise in support of the Judicial Reform Act. This legislation contains language authored by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Schumer) and myself that would permit Federal judges in appropriate situations to allow the televising of civil and criminal trials or appeals. Again, it would permit it, but it would not require cameras in the courtroom. It is at the discretion of the trial judge. Open, public trials have a longstanding tradition in our country. The framers of the Constitution required public trials because they recognized that a thriving democracy depends on a well-informed public. They knew that the public needs to see how an important branch of the Federal Government works, or, in some cases, does not work, and they understood that the dignity of the court comes from the courtroom itself and from the values and beliefs on display. Those values and beliefs are invigorated, not undercut, as opponents of open government would argue, by giving the people the ability to see our judicial system in action.”