Expanded media coverage of Iowa courtroom proceedings is a privilege which
comes with important responsibilities attached.
It is the responsibility of the courts to zealously guard the rights of
litigants to have a fair trial. Prior to 1980, photographic and electronic
coverage of Iowa courtrooms was prohibited because of a concern that the
presence of electronic and photographic coverage would affect the fairness
of the proceedings.
Following a careful study and a two-year experiment, the Iowa Supreme Court
adopted Judicial Canon 3A(7). The rules and procedures of Canon 3A(7) were
carefully crafted to protect the rights of litigants to a fair trial while
providing an opportunity to inform the public through more modern means
of news coverage.
It is the responsibility of the media to closely follow the rules and procedures
of Canon 3A(7). Remember that a presiding judge may "limit or terminate
expanded media coverage at any time during the proceedings in the event
the judge finds (1) that rules established under this Canon, or additional
rules imposed by the presiding judge have been violated, or (2) that substantial
rights of individual participants or rights to a fair trial will be prejudiced
by such manner of coverage if it is allowed to continue."
Finally, the goal of expanded media coverage is to increase the public's
understanding of the court system. I encourage the media to use their privilege
to the fullest extent by covering court proceedings in a manner which helps
achieve this goal.
Table of Contents
Bicentennial of the Bill of Rights
Iowa FOI Council Guidelines
Rules of Procedure for Canon3A(7):
Expanded Media Coverage
Regional Media Coordinators
Questions about EMC
Glossary
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