The Fund For Modern Courts
Improving the administration of justice in New York State
New York state has regularly added new judge positions to the court system in an attempt to address a backlog and the governor signed a bill as recently as last month doing just that.
However, the state Constitution caps the number of new state Supreme Court slots lawmakers can add based on population in the 13 judicial districts.
This report provides a historical view of the audiovisual coverage prohibition in New York’s courts; includes a comprehensive survey of all 50 states and the District of Columbia concerning audiovisual coverage of courtroom proceedings; and evaluates in-court camera use on an issue-by-issue basis, including considerations relating to racial justice, judicial transparency, and the interests of litigants and the public.
Michael Miller, our Board Member and author of Modern Courts’ report on Cameras in the Courts, moderated a panel presented by the NYSBA on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 entitled “The Audio-Visual Coverage of Judicial Proceedings: Laws, Policy, and Tech.”
The panelists have varied backgrounds, all with experience and insight into the use of cameras in courtrooms, the laws across the country as well as the legislative battle in New York State. The feedback we’ve received from the program has been overwhelmingly positive. The video is now available on demand, and until May 1st, it can be accessed for free.
Susan C. Bryant, Esq.
New York State Defenders Association
Justin Harrison, Esq.
ACLU of New York
Diane Kennedy
New York News Publishers Association
Dan Novack, Esq.
Penguin Random House
Sean Nuttall, Esq.
Office of the Appellate Defender
Mickey H. Osterreicher, Esq
National Press Photographers Association
Michael C. Miller, Esq.
Fund for Modern Courts
On May 2nd, 2024, we honored and paid tribute to Hon. Rowan D. Wilson, Chief Judge, State of New York.
Read the Chief Judge’s speech and view photos from the event