October 25, 2005
The Fund for Modern Courts, together with the New York State Bar Association, sponsoring a public forum entitled: “Witness to Justice: Reopening New York State Courtrooms to Camera Coverage”. This program explored the history of audio-visual coverage of courtroom proceedings, and examined arguments for and against lifting New York State’s ban on televised trials. The debate also addresses whether televised proceedings would promote public confidence in the judicial process or interfere with the fair administration of justice in New York State. The discussion included First Amendment issues, media concerns and the Court of Appeals’ recent decision in Courtroom Television Network v. The State of New York.
The forum was moderated by John R. Dunne, Esq, Former Chair, NYS Senate Judiciary Committee. Panelists include: A. Vincent Buzard, Esq., President of the New York State Bar Association; Jonathan Gradess, Esq., Executive Director, NYS Defenders Association; Honorable Patrick J. McGrath, County Court Justice, Rensselaer County, and media attorney, Michael J. Grygiel, Esq., a member of McNamee, Lochner, Titus & Williams P.C.