Yet again, the issue of cameras in the courtroom is burning in the New York Legislature.  It’s deja vu all over again, except this time the cameras are going to win.  Make no mistake about it.  Andy Warhol was absolutely right. 

I don’t want cameras in my courtroom.  I find trials as much of a bore to watch as the next guy, unless I’m the one trying the case.  But having the experience of trying high profile cases, and realizing the impact the media has on the judge, the witnesses and the jury, I believe that cameras are a very good thing for those TV stations that feast off free content, but a very bad thing for justice. 

No doubt that poor Florida judge who was castigated nationally for his show of emotion during the Anna Nicole Smith hearing will be used by both sides to demonstrate how compelling/evil television can be.  But he’s not the point.  The point is that media attention changes everyone in the courtroom, and everyone in the courtroom plays to the camera.  There is no way that it can be unobtrusive.  It’s there.  We all know it, and nobody wants to look foolish on TV.  Or admit they lied.  Or make a ruling that laypeople will perceive to be wrong. 

If there is anyone in the courtroom most likely to be changed, it will be the judge.  Will a judge be inclined to make an unpopular but legally correct decision when the whole world is watching?  And when ignorant commentators, meaning those media pundits who hold themselves out as experts on all things legal, start pandering to an angry mob about the horrible judge, with full video of the court’s egregious ruling, will the judge hold firm, secure in the knowledge that he or she will be well respected by that small group of inside folk who appreciate the bold gesture?

No, no, a thousand times no.  It’s hard enough to get a fair trial.  With cameras in the courtroom, we can kiss that possibilty good-bye.  And what’s the downside for the media?  They have to come up with their own content for 12 hours of Court TV?  Bummer.  Let’s pick justice first once in a while.