The Nation - News from Sept. 26, 1988

An 18-month test program allowing cameras in New York state courtrooms has resulted mostly in superficial news coverage but has not disrupted court proceedings, the judge evaluating the experiment said. Chief Administrative Judge Albert Rosenblatt stressed that it was premature to conclude whether the program should be extended past its May 31 expiration. Forty-four states allow some photographic coverage of courtrooms, although the federal court system does not. New York’s experimental program allows camera and audio coverage of court proceedings by radio and television stations, newspapers and academic institutions, with approval of the presiding judge. Denials can be appealed.