Cameras Coming To Ontario Courts
Posted January 10, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It’s something that up until now, you’ve only seen on television in the U.S.
The McGuinty government has finally decided to let Ontario citizens witness how our justice system functions on their own TV sets, officially allowing cameras in some courtrooms.
But don’t expect to see an episode of “Law and Order” or some exciting murder case. The new permission only extends to the Court of Appeal and for now, it’s only a pilot project to see how it works out.
The government made the move after consultations with justice officials and the media, which has long been forced to use only pencil sketches of suspects appearing before a judge (like the one pictured at top left.)
But not everyone will welcome the prying eyes. Many critics complain that cameras in the courts down south cause some lawyers to play to the media spotlight and don’t serve the best interests of their clients.
And judges and those involved in the proceedings will both have to give permission before the devices can be switched on.
The law normally prohibits the electronic witnesses, but there are exceptions made for “educational or instructional purposes,” and Attorney General Michael Bryant insists this fits that category.
“Through this initiative, we will be bringing the public directly into our courtrooms via cameras in the court,” he confirms in a statement. “In doing so, we will be opening a new window to provide Ontarians with an unprecedented view of our justice system.”
Just exactly when the project will start and which specific courtrooms will feature the electric eyes is still being worked out.
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