The Anonymous Widower

One Problem With Televising Courts

This is a true story and some would think it would be good television.  I don’t! But it illustrates the fact that a lot of cases contain things that really shouldn’t be broadcast. After all, our court system is open and anybody can go and look if they are interested.

My late wife was a barrister and once she was prosecuting a man for a sexual assault.  She could hear a rustling behind her in the public gallery and quick look confirmed that a teacher was bringing in a class of school children to see how the court worked.  She carried on, but her next question to a witness was not very appropriate. “When did you first notice that the defendant had an erection?” She then heard shrieks of laughter from behind her and then a lot of whispering as the children were quickly escorted out.

 I bet those kids never forgot their first day in court!

She would repeat this story every time, televising courts was mentioned, to show how you can never be sure what will happen and how do you ensure that justice is fair and correct to all parties.

September 6, 2011 - Posted by AnonW | News | Justice, Law, Television