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

._.,.
proceeding and the number of media organizations seek-
ing to participate in the extended coverage. The
several "major case" events required several days or
a few weeks advanced notice to allow enough time for
arrangements and coordination to take place. The
large number of more minor EMC events often required
no more than a few hours advanced notice.
The question legitimately is raised whether or not use
of a request form ought to be required if EMC is allowed
on a permanent basis. Naturally, the preference of
the media is to dispense with this paperwork, particu-
larly since the electronic and photographic media gen-
erally feel that they should have the same access as
the print media to court proceedings. Although the
research indicates that generally EMC has little or no
effect on the proceeding, there remains the reservoir
of negativity in the reports of those having experienced
EMC, reports which include a few bitter experiences and
more than a few strong preferences against EMC presence.
Requests for extended coverage should be reviewed in
every instance by the judge for determination of possi-
ble negative impacts, some of which may be logically
predicted or even likely. Covering the testimony of,
for example, a rape victim is obviously unwise. A
written request process provides a checkpoint for making
these screening decisions.
Recommendction. To facilitate the screening and decis