Trial News

Supreme Court Authorizes News Cameras In Trial Courts

Evansville, Ind.—Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard announced today that the Supreme Court has authorized a pilot project to test the use of still and video news cameras and tape recorders in Indiana's trial courts.

The Supreme Court's decision came in response to a request from the Indiana Broadcasters Association and the Hoosier State Press Association. The 18-month pilot project will involve eight trial judges who have agreed to participate in the project.

“I hope that this experiment will help inform the public about the workings of the judicial system and remove any mystery about what happens in a courtroom. The ultimate success of the project will be determined by how much the public benefits from this greater access afforded the working press,” said Chief Justice Shepard.

Under the terms of the order, news cameras and news radio station recorders will be allowed only in the courts of the eight trial judges who are part of the project. The trial judge and all parties must also agree to allow cameras or recorders into the courtroom.

The project will allow one video camera, one still camera and up to three tape recorders in a courtroom at each time. The news media must agree to “pool” or share the coverage under an arrangement approved by the trial judge.

The judges who are participating in the project are:

• Judge Nancy E. Boyer, Allen Superior Court, Fort Wayne
• Judge Robert R. Aylsworth, Warrick Superior Court, Boonville
• Judge Robert Barnett, Jr., Delaware Circuit Court, Muncie
• Judge Robert R. Altice, Marion Superior Court, Indianapolis
• Judge Patricia J. Gifford, Marion Superior Court, Indianapolis
• Judge Thomas K. Milligan, Montgomery Circuit Court, Crawfordsville
• Judge Michael G. Gotsch, St. Joseph Circuit Court, South Bend
• Judge Wayne Trockman, Vanderburgh Superior Court, Evansville

At the conclusion of the project, the entire effort will be evaluated to determine its future. The project was approved by a 3-2 vote. Chief Justice Shepard, Justice Frank Sullivan, Jr., and Justice Theodore R. Boehm voted in the majority. Justice Brent E. Dickson issued a dissent in which Justice Robert D. Rucker joined.

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