Do you think that televised proceedings of the Supreme Court would significantly increase public awareness of Supreme Court decision? Why or Why not?
Many have pushed for the televised proceedings of Supreme Court cases due to the following reasons. Televising the proceedings of the Supreme Court can show the world that the government is open in showing its citizens that they are not doing any hocus-pocus on deciding some of the country’s most important cases. Usually, people find certain news regarding SC decisions completely unexpected as they feel that the government should have taken more time to study the case, asked opinions regarding the subject matter and considered the reaction of all social groups. Some also agree that the decisions are only announced on air if the government managed to rig the decision in their favor or if they, the prosecution, won the case. People see this as a type of corruption and malpractice in the part of the politicians and lawyers. Other proceedings are also “politicalized” by warring parties which makes the decision a little questionable. Televising the proceedings would enable the citizens and groups to understand the arguments raised by each position and know why the verdict is given as such for the particular case. Some decisions are a little complicated to understand but if the people know the process on why the decision came to that conclusion, they would understand the pros and cons of the decision and agree to it if it makes sense. Another reason why televised proceedings would be beneficial is that it would show the public that the decision was done in due process and if all the evidences, sources and testimonies are synonymous to the early statements released on television and newspapers. This is also to make sure that the case has legal basis and the decision fits the particular case in question.
