With the closure of schools, restaurants, movies, churches, entertainment venues, sports activities, all states and the District of Columbia must consider closing all courts except for emergency matters. While each state must weigh the decision against the health options, the health options and possible loss of life must outweigh any other considerations. Today, the Trump administration recommended no public gatherings over 10 persons. I was last in court on March 5, 6 with a client. The large Maryland criminal courtroom was filled with standing room only. As the person sitting in front of me wearing a mask, began coughing, I became nervous. One-week later Friday, March 13, 2020, Maryland Governor Hogan closed all Maryland state courts to the public until April 3, 2020. In Michigan, state courts have recommended the postponement of all civil and criminal trials unless a defendant is in custody. Large court rooms are a hotbed of germs on even any non-Coronavirus pandemic day. It … [Read more...] about All Courts Should Close due to Coronavirus
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Why Cameras are Needed in the Courtroom
On Wednesday August 12, Minnesota’s Supreme Court approved a pilot program to commence in November allowing cameras in criminal court rooms but only in sentencing hearings. The new rule changes the precondition that all parties consent. Much of the work of our criminal justice system occurs long before a trial or plea bargain. Cameras are needed inside courts to bring about necessary changes in the criminal justice system. The recent police shootings of unarmed minorities sparked the call by many for police to wear body cameras to show how events unfold. Body cameras only speak to one part of the equation. The other part is what happens inside courtrooms across America. As a former prosecutor and now trial lawyer, I see the need for allowing cameras in all court rooms. Most court room proceedings are open to the public. Those proceedings that are already open to the public present no harm in allowing further transparency with cameras. The use of cameras … [Read more...] about Why Cameras are Needed in the Courtroom