Maryland Courts have had a ban on broadcasting its proceedings, but a US District Court says it cannot.
In a decision released on Friday, December 9, 2022, the court said that the statute which previously prohibited the use of "Television, radio, and photographic or recording equipment" to "record or broadcast any criminal matter, that is held in the trial court or before a grand jury, " is unconstitutional.
The opinion states, in part, "The State of Maryland remains free to prohibit live broadcasting from the courtroom and to regulate the release of shielded records and video recordings under the Maryland Rules. However, the State may not sanction the press for broadcasting "lawfully obtained, truthful information" that the State itself has disclosed to the public."
Journalists and those who teach them see this as a victory for the public at large which can gain a better idea of how courts operate during criminal proceedings.
