ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO) - A two-year pilot program that places cameras in Minnesota courtrooms is nearly complete. Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie Gildea says a special committee is expected to release a report later this year, or early 2018.
"Studies do show that the judiciary is the least-understood of the branches of government" Gildea said. "I think it's incumbent upon us as judges to do more outreach and talk more openly and expansively about the work that we do."
Gildea tells KFGO News that the program has helped open up the courts without compromising the rights of victims. The cameras are used in only select cases and victims are not photographed unless permission is obtained.
“There was a very real, heartfelt concern expressed by the victim-witness community in particular, that victims of crime would be reluctant to report crime and come forward if they thought that they’re face was going to appear on TV” Gildea said. “We were very concerned about that viewpoint.”
Gildea says there are also budget-related concerns about the effects of a sharply growing caseload and says she expects to have “continuing conversations” with Gov. Dayton and lawmakers regarding funding. “We have seen an increased caseload in a couple of areas” according to Gildea. “Major criminal cases and also cases that involve children. Double-digit increases in both of those case types.”
Gildea also says public response to a new policy which permits the Minnesota Supreme Court to livestream oral arguments has been favorable.
“So far, the feedback has been very positive” according to Gildea. “People are watching and they’re enjoying the opportunity to have easier access to the work of the Supreme Court.”