Skip to main content

USA Today: Time for Supreme Court Transparency

April 17, 2015
Editorials

The following article appeared in USA Today on April 17, 2015. A link to the article can be found here.

By Rep. Mike Quigley

The American public is best served when all three branches of government are transparent and accessible, but one branch remains shrouded in secrecy: the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court still prohibits live television or audio broadcast of its hearings, even though three-quarters of Americans support cameras in the courtroom, according to a Coalition for Court Transparency poll.

In these polarizing times, it's nearly impossible for three-fourths of Americans to agree on anything. That's why it's so hard to understand why the court refuses to make audio and video available despite the nation's desire for greater access to cases that deeply impact all Americans.

The problem isn't a lack of technology. Live-audio streams in the building and the Court even announced same-day audio will be available for one of the most anticipated cases this year — marriage equality. While that may seem like a major concession, it's woefully inadequate.

Every case before the nation's highest court deserves to be heard by interested Americans in real time. In the last judicial year, the Court heard cases on workplace discrimination, healthcare and voting rights. We don't know how the justices decide which cases merit increased transparency, but the truth is each case before the Supreme Court is important — and Americans deserve to see their government at work every time the Court convenes.

Transparency provides accountability and strengthens public trust in government. Americans can observe the legislative and executive branches from home. As a member of Congress, I know every bill we debate is televised live on C-SPAN and archived for future generations. That's why, as a proponent for increased openness and accountability, I won't settle for hours-delayed audio of selective cases as an acceptable standard of transparency for the Court.

Supreme Court Justice Brandeis said, "Sunlight is... the best of disinfectants." I couldn't agree more. For that reason, I introduced legislation to increase access, accountability and transparency in every branch of the federal government.

My Transparency in Government Act provides the tools Americans need to hold their government accountable. These reforms aren't extreme or hard to implement. They don't require new technology and, at the Supreme Court, they would not change the way cases are deliberated. My bill would simply bring access to the judiciary in line with the other branches of government.

Today, we have the ability to share information in real time. We can tweet, Instagram and post every aspect of our lives. In this age with unlimited technology, it should be easier than ever for Americans to access their government.

That's why I wrote to Chief Justice John Roberts urging the Supreme Court to provide the public with greater access to the nation's highest court by allowing video and live-audio broadcasts of its proceedings.

Increasing transparency and accountability in government is not only the key to improving public trust, it's the key to improving the way government functions. It's time we allow video and live-audio of our nation's highest court, improving transparency and justice for all.

Congressman Mike Quigley, D-Ill., is the co-founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Transparency Caucus and serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Issues:Government Transparency