Des Moines Sun

Senator Chuck Grassley continues to advocate for the introduction of cameras in federal courtrooms, citing increased transparency and public trust as key reasons for his long-standing efforts. He explained that allowing cameras would foster civic engagement and help the public better understand how justice is administered in the United States.

"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 emphasized that although society has changed since America’s founding, principles like transparent government remain vital. He drew comparisons between current Senate broadcast practices and proposed courtroom coverage.

"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 also referenced historical perspectives on open government.

"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 a clarion call today that 'the advancement and diffusion of knowledge is only Guardian of true liberty.'"

Grassley outlined two bills he has introduced: The Sunshine in Courtroom Act would allow judges discretion over camera use while protecting witness identities; it also prohibits media coverage of private conversations and requires congressional review after three years. The Cameras in Courtroom Act directs Supreme Court sessions be televised unless justices decide otherwise due process would be compromised.

"As chairman of Senate Judiciary Committee, I reintroduced two pieces bipartisan legislation in March that would allow television cameras in federal courtrooms. The Sunshine in Courtroom Act would grant presiding judge all federal courts including Supreme Court discretion allow cameras courtroom while protecting identities witnesses jurors...The Cameras Courtroom Act would instruct Supreme Court permit television coverage open sessions unless majority high court decides doing so violate due process."

Grassley recently commended Erika Kirk's advocacy for camera access during her husband's murder trial proceedings as an example highlighting both victims’ rights protection oversight responsibilities.

"In November I delivered remarks on Senate floor compliment Erika Kirk wife assassinated conservative leader Charlie Kirk...She made courageous plea allow cameras courtroom during trial her husband’s alleged assassin...Our courts must balance rights accused with rights victims...Allowing cameras courtroom would help boost public confidence that justice served fairness..."

Accordingly, Grassley maintains that increasing transparency through camera access could strengthen accountability within federal judicial processes.