Hawkeye Reporter

Senator Chuck Grassley continues to advocate for the introduction of cameras in federal courtrooms, arguing that such a move would increase civic engagement and strengthen public trust in the legal system. Grassley has been working on this issue for nearly thirty years, aiming to provide greater transparency in federal judicial proceedings.

"Opening up the federal courthouse to cameras would help foster civic engagement and boost public confidence in our legal system. As a watchdog for good government, I’ve led a crusade for nearly three decades to let the sun shine on federal court proceedings so people can see the wheels of justice in action and better appreciate how the rule of law shapes prosperity, peace and justice in America. My legislative efforts align with the intent of the founding fathers who believed public trials would help prevent abusive government power and uphold public confidence in the justice system. John Adams said the right to a trial by jury, along with representative government, serve as the 'heart and lungs of liberty.'"

Grassley noted that while American society has changed since its founding, he believes that core principles regarding checks on government power should remain unchanged. He pointed out that television cameras have broadcast Senate floor proceedings since 1986 and highlighted his support for expanding access through platforms like C-SPAN.

"Although American life in the 21st century is much different than in the 18th century, the founding principles must remain ironclad as a check on government power to uphold America’s promise of freedom and liberty for generations yet to come. Allowing cameras in the courtroom would give the American people a front row seat to the federal judiciary, a co-equal branch of the federal government that has tremendous influence over civic life and the economy, tasked with delivering justice on behalf of the American people. Transparency brings accountability. Just consider, cameras have captured every minute of Senate floor proceedings since 1986. Earlier this year, I cosponsored a bipartisan resolution to commemorate the 39th anniversary of C-SPAN 2’s gavel-to-gavel Senate coverage, connecting the American people via a nonpartisan lens to the people’s business. I supported C-SPAN’s fight to be platformed by streaming giants to keep pace with how Americans obtain news and entertainment and welcomed the agreement that they will carry C-SPAN’s coverage of Congress and public affairs programming as a service to the American people."

He further emphasized that providing similar transparency for judicial proceedings would enhance public understanding: "Just as the American people have a front row seat to the legislative branch, they deserve a front row seat to the judicial branch. Giving people the opportunity to observe its work will enhance public awareness and understanding. The Father of the Constitution, James Madison, extolled the need for an engaged and educated citizenry as an essential lever for preservation of liberty and longevity of our republic. That’s why I champion sunshine laws, from strengthening Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to expanding whistleblower protections and broadening public access to courtroom. As Madison wrote, '...a people who mean to be their own Governors must arm themselves with power which knowledge gives.' His words written 200 years ago are still relevant today: 'the advancement and diffusion of knowledge is only Guardian of true liberty.'"

Grassley recently reintroduced two bipartisan bills aimed at allowing television coverage in federal courts: "As chairman of Senate Judiciary Committee, I reintroduced two pieces of bipartisan legislation in March that would allow television cameras in federal courtrooms. The Sunshine in Courtroom Act would grant presiding judge in all federal courts including Supreme Court discretion to allow cameras while protecting identities witnesses jurors; bill also prohibits media coverage private conversations includes three-year sunset provision requiring Congress evaluate impact media access judiciary. Cameras Courtroom Act instructs Supreme Court permit television coverage open sessions unless majority high court decides doing so violate due process."

He also referenced remarks made about Erika Kirk's plea regarding her husband's murder trial: "In November I delivered remarks on Senate floor complimenting Erika Kirk wife assassinated conservative leader Charlie Kirk; she made courageous plea allow cameras courtroom during trial husband’s alleged assassin." Grassley added that allowing such access could reassure citizens about fairness within judicial processes.

The senator concluded by stating his ongoing oversight role regarding victims' rights: "Our courts must balance rights accused with rights victims...Allowing cameras courtroom would help boost public confidence justice served fairness...Opening courthouse cameras would allow public bear witness scales justice federal legal proceedings."