The BC Attorney General is considering whether trials should be televised here. Those in favour feel it would give people a better understanding of the justice system and make it more transparent.

Those opposed point to the OJ trial as an example of the circus that can ensue and express concern that TV cameras can impact judge, witness and jury conduct in the courtroom (even though juries would not be shown).

What do you think? Anyone from the US wants to weigh in with your opinion of how it's gone there please feel free to join in.

Tough call for me Douger but I'm going to vote no. Camera's in a court room could potentially impact a judge, witness or jury's final decision.

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Quote:

"The budget should be balanced; the treasury should be refilled; public debt should be reduced; and the arrogance of public officials should be controlled." -Cicero. 106-43 B.C.

A trial lawyer on CBC Radio this morning was especially worried about the impact on witnesses. He said that trials were very stressful for witnesses who were unfamiliar with the process usually. Knowing their face and every word could be on the 6:00 news could really influence their testimony as they would be overly concerned about how they'd sound on the newscast and might be less forthright or open.

It won't do anything.

But, if people want to watch, then let them. This is a B.C. decision, it won't have consequences where I live.

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"The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself. " — John Stuart Mill

I wouldn't want to put the sketch artists out of work, and seriously I kind of like the sketches over photographs.

I agree, we shouldn't make a media circus out of trials like the OJ trail and what not. I always thought that it was quite sensible to keep cameras out of the courtroom.

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Just like another decision out of BC where they found that an employee at MacDonald's couldn't be forced to wash her hands.

http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/04/02/e...80%99s-enough/

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It isn't BC that's to blame. It's the Canadian government for having signed up to Human Rights - the very organisation that in essence supports every person who may be an aggressor, at the expense of their victim.

I agree with Redrum, there is a reason the jury is kept hidden and protected. It so they are not influenced by media.

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In my spare time I build furniture, then have a discussion about where to place it in a room.

Televise it! they can still mask witnesses identity.
Plus, there is crap on TV now.

Coroner's inquest into Bathurst van accident should be webcast: parents

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswi...dcast-417.html

looks like NB is starting to let in cameras

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