Ahead of major Supreme Court rulings, Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) reintroduced legislation to put cameras in the chamber and televise all of the court’s open proceedings. They described it as a matter of transparency and accountability.
“Decisions made by the Supreme Court impact the lives of Americans in every corner of the country, but their proceedings often don’t reach beyond the four walls of the court room,” Durbin said.
Added Grassley: “The Supreme Court is a symbol of justice and fairness. It considers some of the most important issues of our time. That’s why the Cameras in the Courtroom bill is necessary.”
By the end of June, the high court is expected to deliver rulings on the constitutionality of affirmative action, the Voting Rights Act and same-sex marriage.
“Over the next several days, the Supreme Court will announce opinions in some of the most closely watched cases in a generation. … [W]e can all agree that the American public deserves the opportunity to see firsthand the arguments and opinions that will shape their society for years to come.”
The bill is the “Cameras in the Courtroom Act of 2013.”
