Call for Court TV

This sounds like a job for Rafferty’s Rules…

Justice Michael Kirby has suggested the proceedings of the High Court be televised via a dedicated television channel to TV viewers.

Speaking at the inaugural Neville Wran lecture at the NSW parliament in Sydney last night, Kirby says the Australian public should be able to watch the land’s highest court in action, just as Canadians do.

His suggestion for a court channel comes from his disappointment with abysmal, sensationalist and mean-spirited media reporting.

“Unless there is something bizarre, entertaining, humorous or allegedly shocking in the decision of the court, it is normally not reported,” he said.

His are the second such recent comments for the move. Chief Justice Robert French who was sworn in last September said that there was “a kind of evolution happening” in thinking about allowing cameras into courts.

But some judges oppose the televising of court proceedings because of fear it will affect courtroom behaviour and encourage Perry Mason-style advocacy. But Justice Kirby talked down such risks.

“Is there any reason to believe there would be misbehaviour on the part of courts or judges? Not really,” he said.

“The public has the right to see the High Court in action.”

Be an cheap way to fill content on those new digital channels, eh?

Source: The Australian