Virtual hearings are not appropriate for all cases, but are certainly suitable and effective for some. Broadcasting legal proceedings has become an increasingly relevant topic, especially in light of COVID-19, which necessitated removing access to courtrooms. This shift has had significant implications for public trust in the judiciary, both positive and negative. This article examines how broadcasting court proceedings may impact public trust.

Transparency

Broadcasting court proceedings allows the public to observe the judicial process in real-time, promoting transparency. Such visibility helps to demystify court operations and allows judges to demonstrate that justice is administered fairly and openly, regardless of litigants’ race, socio-economic level, religious views, etc. According to the U.S. Courts’ report on preserving public trust, transparency in the judicial process is crucial to maintain public confidence in the judiciary.

Accountability