Televising Court Proceedings

Abstract

Most Australians' understanding of court proceedings and the legal system is derived from television - but, more often than not, this information is from American dramas or documentaries and is not necessarily applicable to Australia. Few Australian judges have allowed cameras into their courts, but there are a number of reasons why this development should be encouraged, at least on an experimental basis.

The author reviews the present situation in Australia and overseas; sets out the main arguments for and against televising the proceedings of courts; and suggests an experimental program to evaluate the arguments in practice.