Why aren't the cases that the supreme court handles videotaped?

Question

Is that a choice left up to the nine judges? Do they even have a say in the decision?

Answer 1

The above answers are close in some cases (Coragryph's being closest) but wrong in others.

First, correcting the error above: the media is allowed to be present at all Supreme Court arguments, high profile, low profile or otherwise.

To the main question: the Justices have on numerous occasions, dating back to when Warren Burger was Chief Justice, considered allowing television coverage of cases. They have always decided against it on the theory that it would distract litigants and promote playing to the camera.

Nonetheless, there have been small steps toward electronic coverage. Audiotapes of cases are regularly released, and the arguments make for fascinating listening.

To date there has been no live coverage of a Supreme Court case, even by audio - but perhaps that may change. Ultimately it is up to the Justices themselves.

Answer 2

Many of the cases that come before the Supreme Court are "paper cases", requiring the Supreme Court Justices to read, interpret, and write briefs expouding upon their opinions, which result in a ruling "for" or "against" decisions handed down by a lower court. Actual "people" are never before the Justices in these cases.

Cases that actually come into the court room of the Supreme Court Justices are generally so high profile that the judges determine them too volatile, and will not allow the media to be present.

Unfortunately, the Supreme Court Justices are the highest court in America. Their decisions are rarely overturned, and impact every American's life.

Answer 3

Yes, it's almost entirely up to the Justices on the Bench.

Congress could theoretically overrule them by federal statute -- but they probably wouldn't, out of respect for the other branch.

There are no constitutional issues, since the constitution doesn't specify whether the hearings must be public or must be secret.

Answer 4

I THINK THE DECISION LIES WITH THE CHIEF JUSTICE...NOT THE BENCH.