Pa. Court TV Approved

High court to allow TV cameras to tape arguments

Television cameras are coming to the state's highest court.

The Pennsylvania state Supreme Court said Monday that it'll allow the nonprofit Pennsylvania Cable Network to tape oral arguments in front of it. The justices hear arguments in their Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Philadelphia courtrooms.

Coverage is to begin Sept. 13.

“My colleagues and I are pleased to open our courtroom to PCN’s statewide audience so they can see how our court operates and follow arguments in cases affecting every citizen of Pennsylvania,” said Chief Justice Ron Castille.

There are limitations to the agreement. For instance, the oral arguments cannot be broadcast live, and PCN must tape the arguments it chooses to cover gavel-to-gavel.

Sealed proceedings can't be covered, and the court says it can shut off the cameras “to protect the parties' rights or to ensure the orderly conduct of the proceedings."

Court spokeswoman Amy Kelchner says the state is not paying PCN for the service, and PCN isn't paying the state for the right.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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