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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 16, 2024 01:41 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jamie L. Flick |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Cameras in the Courtroom |
| In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation to authorize video and audio recording of criminal and civil court proceedings in this Commonwealth. Cameras in courtrooms allow the public to observe legal proceedings firsthand, thereby promoting transparency and accountability within Pennsylvania’s judicial system. The presence of video cameras can also act as a deterrent against unethical behavior by participants of the legal process. Indeed, knowing that their actions are being observed by the public-at-large will discourage judges, attorneys, and witnesses from engaging in misconduct or improper behavior. Significantly, my legislation will prohibit the recording of any child witness and any witness who is alleged to have been the victim of a sexual assault. These exceptions will protect the privacy of these witnesses, who, at times, are often compelled to provide intimate details of horrific sexual acts. Please join me in cosponsoring this important piece of legislation to increase transparency in our judicial system. |