When accused double-murderer Garrett Mason, 17, Nevada, was arraigned today in Vernon County Circuit Court and entered a not guilty plea, the media covered it the old fashioned way, thanks to Judge Neal Quitno.
Quitno barred cameras from his courtroom. The choice is left up to the preference of individual judges. Court records indicate Quitno will reconsider the request for future hearings.
The next hearing in the case, a pre-trial conference, is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 11.
While I have seen examples of poorly done courtroom coverage on television stations (primarily from the cable news networks, who sprinkle in supposedly knowledgeable expert analysis with clips), the local stations who are requesting coverage have offered responsible coverage
Cameras in the courtroom have long since passed the experimental stage. From the local courts to the U. S. Supreme Court, cameras do have a place in the courtroom.
2 comments:
Request denied because accused did not have an attorney. Supreme Court rules do not permit cameras in courtroom if accused is unrepresented.
the last name mason seems very familiar to the Vernon Co area. Is he related to the retired sherriff??
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