The judge who presided over the trial that led to a $150 million verdict last month in Bainbridge was quick to approve the use of cameras and recording equipment in that case.

“An open courtroom is extremely important,” said South Georgia Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge J. Kevin Chason during a phone interview from his chambers. “I don't think I've ever denied anybody.”

In fact, he keeps Rule 22 request forms in his briefcase as he travels to different courthouses in the five counties of his circuit. When he gets the occasional request for cameras in the courtroom, he said, the answer is simply, “Here, fill this out.”