The New England First Amendment Coalition is requesting the Vermont Judiciary change its rules to require the livestreaming of criminal proceedings.
In a Sept. 9 letter by NEFAC and the Vermont Press Association, the groups explained that:
“Currently, judges have discretion in determining whether to livestream public criminal proceedings. As a result, the opportunity for remote access has been highly inconsistent. Decisions often seem arbitrary because judges are not required to justify the closing of a particular proceeding. At the very least, this creates barriers to transparency and frustrates the press’s ability to fulfill its critical role of informing the public about newsworthy events.”
Instead, NEFAC and VPA wrote, the courts should adopt a default policy of livestreaming criminal proceedings, making them accessible to the press and the public unless extenuating circumstances counsel against doing so.
“Online access is typically provided to parties and witnesses who cannot go to the courthouse in person,” they wrote, “it should be no different for the press and general public.”
NEFAC is the region’s leading advocate for the First Amendment and the public’s right to know about government. You can read all the coalition’s briefs and advocacy letters here and learn more about your access to courts here.
NEFAC was formed in 2006 to advance and protect the Five Freedoms of the First Amendment, including the principle of the public’s right to know. We’re a broad-based organization of people who believe in the power of an informed democratic society. Our members include lawyers, journalists, historians, academics and private citizens.
Our coalition is funded through contributions made by those who value the First Amendment and who strive to keep government accountable. Please make a donation here.
NEFAC appreciates the support of all its donors and contributors. In particular, we would like to recognize the Estate of Gloria L. Negri, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the following Leadership Circle donors: Rhode Island Foundation, The Boston Globe, Paul and Ann Sagan, and the Robertson Foundation. Major Supporters of NEFAC’s work include Hearst Connecticut Media Group, Boston University, the Academy of New England Journalists and WCVB-Boston.