Number: RL33706
Title: Televising Supreme Court and Other Federal Court Proceedings: Legislation and Issues
Authors: Lorraine H. Tong, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: In the 109th Congress, four bills have been introduced - H.R. 2422, H.R. 4380, S. 829, and S. 1768 - to allow television or other electronic media coverage of federal court proceedings. Another bill, relating to court security - H.R. 1751 - was introduced without such a provision, but was later amended in committee to include electronic media coverage. Three of these bills, H.R. 1751, H.R. 2422, and S. 829, would grant discretionary authority to presiding judges to permit photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting, or televising of district and appellate court proceedings, including Supreme Court proceedings. Two other bills, S. 1768 and H.R. 4380, would require the televising of all open sessions of the Supreme Court only. The five bills are similar, or identical, to legislation introduced in previous Congresses since at least the 105th Congress. This report also discusses the arguments that have been presented by proponents and opponents of electronic media coverage of federal court proceedings, including the possible effect on judicial proceedings, separation of powers concerns, the purported educational value of such coverage, and possible security and privacy concerns. Finally, the report discuses the various options Congress may address as it considers legislation, including which courts should be covered, whether media coverage should be authorized or required, possible security and privacy safeguards, and the type of media coverage that would be permitted.
Pages: 20
Date: November 8, 2006