Post #7: The United States' Inconsistencies

You cannot be sloppy when dealing with the law. My view is that law is a complex and important aspect of society that should be maintained and held at a high standard.

So then why is the US so inconsistent and sloppy when dealing with criminal cases?

Take the example of the Colorado mass shooting in front of a movie theatre. James Holmes' first court apperance was videotaped.

Skim through the youtube video below. The video was about James' first appearance in court and that appearance was in regards to the advisement of his rights (Mox news, 2012 July).

 

What is interesting, it that I found an article that discussed how cameras will not be allowed in the courtroom after his first appearance (Winter, 2012).

If you want to look at this article you can find it at
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2012/07/colo-judge-bans-cameras-at-shooting-suspects-next-hearing-/1.

The Colorado court argued that the media will impact the right to a fair trial. The court also argued that videotaping the trial would reduce the importance of the trial (Winter, 2012).

Yes, the above points are all valid as to why cameras should not be in the courtroom. They are also some of the reasons why Canada has not implemented such procedures.

However, what is inconsistent in American law is that they have taped the OJ Simpson and Casey Anthony trials (just to name a couple). 

How come all of a sudden when it came to the James Holmes case they were so adamant that cameras were not allowed? In my opinion, the United States should set precedent, not cause confusion and inconsistency.

References

Mox News. (2012, July 23). James Holmes First Appearance in Court. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITU1jXmLErE

 

Winter, M. (2012). Colo. Judge Bars Cameras at Shooting Suspect’s Next Hearing. Retrieved from http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2012/07/colo-judge-bans-cameras-at-shooting-suspects-next-hearing-/1