1989-03-24 Comments of Star Tribune.pdf - Minnesota Judicial Branch

Court News
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FLORIDA SURVEY CONCLUDES ELECTRONIC COVERAGE DOESN'T INTERFERE WITH JUSTICE
JURORS, WITNESSES, ATTORNEYS
ANSWERED QUESTIONS 1.N SURVEY
The conclusion of the Florida Survey of
the Attitudes of Individuals Associated
with Trials involving televised proceedings
on an experimental basis for the past year
is that televising of courtroom proceedings
does not disrupt trials or interfere with
the administering of justice.
Prepared by the Florida Judicial Plan-
ning Unit and available from the National
Center for State Courts, the survey shows
that more than 2000 jurors, witnesses, and
court employees responded favorably to
television, photographic, and radio cover-
age in the courtroom. The survey asked
questions relating to fundamental issues
of fair trials, psychological effects of
the coverage, disruption and distraction
caused by the presence of television people
and equipment, overall effect on the judge
and the administration of justice.
For example, more than 77 percent of
jurors responded that presence in the
courtroom of media does "not at all" dis-
rupt the trial; 78 percent of the attorneys
stated that the coverage had "no effect" on
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COURT NEWS, Volume 2, Number 11,
newsletter of the Alabama Judicial
System, is published monthly as an
informational and educational
service to state judicial officials
and personnel. Inquiries should be
addressed to Administrative Office
of Courts, 817 South Court Street.
Montgomery, AL 36130, Robert Martin,
assistant director and editor.
their ability to judge the truthfulness
the witness; and 65 percent of the court of
employees responded that it did "not at al'
make them nervous.
The National Center for State Courts war
designated as the clearinghouse for infor-
mation on broadcasting courtroom proceedinl
earlier this year by the conference of the
nation's chief justices.
EIGHTY DW I INSTRUCTORS
RE-QUALIFIED AT SEMINAR
A OWI Court Referral Seminar, conductec
by the Alabama Judicial College at the
University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, was
held November 15-16. Eighty OWI instructc
attended and were re-qualified to instruct
for 1979.
The OWI program is a statewide effort 1
deal with the drunk driver and is approvec
by the Administrative Office of Courts.
Chief Justice Torbert has also encouraged
its use. The AOC has asked program managt
to contact those judges who do not refer I
cases and again explain the advantages no:
only to those attending but to all citizer
of Alabama.
C. C. TORBERT, JR.
Alabama Chief Justice
ALLEN L. TAPLEY
Administrative Director of Courts
WALLACE GIBSON, President
Association of Circuit Judges
R. POWELL DUSKA, President
Association of District Judges
EMMETT N. RODEN, President -
Association of Municipal Judges
JOHN W. DAVIS, III, President
Association of Juvenile Court Judges
DEVON KIKER, President
Association of Clerks and Registers
DALE TYLER, President
-
Shorthand Reporters Association
ANNA FAY SHAW, President
Circuit Judges' Secretaries Association
MARGIE WETZEL, President
District Judges' Secretaries Association