Cameras and Microphones Should Be Allowed in New York Judicial Proceedings

New York: Recently, there was a lot of buzz in the New York County court. Donald Trump was sentenced, but there was no punishment. The judge, Juan Merchan, made history as Trump could become the first convicted felon to run for president.

What’s interesting is that the public got to hear the full audio of the sentencing and daily transcripts. It’s a small step toward transparency, but it’s still not enough. The court system often keeps things under wraps, leaving the public in the dark.

Currently, New York law doesn’t allow cameras in court when witness testimony is involved. This means that unless a judge gives the green light, we can’t see what’s happening. Sure, anyone can attend if they can get a seat, but that’s not practical for most folks.

It’s time to change that law. Judges should let cameras roll in high-profile cases like Trump’s. The public deserves to see everything from jury selection to verdicts. It’s not just about the drama; it’s about understanding how our justice system works.

Years ago, people worried about cameras in courtrooms. But now, 49 states allow it, and New York is the odd one out. The fear that cameras will ruin the integrity of the courts is outdated. What’s more important is that people can see how cases are built and how decisions are made.

Take the Daniel Penny trial, for example. Only a few journalists were there to report on it, leaving many to guess what really happened. It would have been better for everyone to watch the trial and form their own opinions based on facts.

New York’s court system is confusing and hard to navigate. Getting transcripts is a hassle, and there are so many different courts. It’s a mess, and past attempts to fix it have failed.

Since it doesn’t look like the courts will get simpler anytime soon, judges should do their part to make things more open. Merchan took a small step, but it’s time for everyone to push for more transparency in the future.