A Manhattan Supreme Court judge will make a decision on whether to allow cameras and audio recording in the courtroom during Donald Trump's arraignment on Tuesday. The request was made by several media outlets, including CNN.
Lawyers for the former president told the court that broadcasting the arraignment live could create a "circus-like atmosphere" and raise security concerns, citing Secret Service-related issues. They argued that allowing cameras and audio recording would exacerbate these concerns and undermine Trump's presumption of innocence.
However, prosecutors pointed out that there is no categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment in New York law. In fact, a similar request was made for the 2021 arraignment of the Trump Organization's CFO Allen Weisselberg, where a limited number of still photographs were allowed before proceedings began.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office stated that it would defer to the judge's discretion on how to manage the courtroom, but expressed concerns about allowing live coverage. They argued that excluding or restricting videography, photography, and radio coverage could help avoid potential prejudice to the defendant, maintain order, and ensure safety for all parties involved.
A decision is expected soon, with many expecting it to be a close call. Trump's lawyers are pushing back against the media outlets' request, citing concerns about creating an "unusual" atmosphere in the courtroom that could compromise their client's case. The outcome of this case will likely set a precedent for future arraignments and has significant implications for free press access in New York courts.
Lawyers for the former president told the court that broadcasting the arraignment live could create a "circus-like atmosphere" and raise security concerns, citing Secret Service-related issues. They argued that allowing cameras and audio recording would exacerbate these concerns and undermine Trump's presumption of innocence.
However, prosecutors pointed out that there is no categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment in New York law. In fact, a similar request was made for the 2021 arraignment of the Trump Organization's CFO Allen Weisselberg, where a limited number of still photographs were allowed before proceedings began.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office stated that it would defer to the judge's discretion on how to manage the courtroom, but expressed concerns about allowing live coverage. They argued that excluding or restricting videography, photography, and radio coverage could help avoid potential prejudice to the defendant, maintain order, and ensure safety for all parties involved.
A decision is expected soon, with many expecting it to be a close call. Trump's lawyers are pushing back against the media outlets' request, citing concerns about creating an "unusual" atmosphere in the courtroom that could compromise their client's case. The outcome of this case will likely set a precedent for future arraignments and has significant implications for free press access in New York courts.