CREW Calls for Supreme Court to Televise Health Care Oral Arguments

November 16, 2011

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WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and a broad coalition of organizations called for the Supreme Court to allow the live telecast of the unusual 5½ hours of oral arguments in the cases surrounding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Allowing cameras in the courtroom would provide every American the opportunity to hear and assess the arguments in real time. In the alternative, Americans will be forced to rely only on after-the-fact news reports, or wait for the Court to release audio recordings afterwards. Click here to read the letter sent to Chief Justice Roberts.

“The Court itself clearly recognizes the significance of this case and its wide ranging impact,” said CREW Executive Director Melanie Sloan. “The Supreme Court only offers seating for about 250 visitors, but as we will all be affected by the Court’s decision, we should all have a front row seat to hear the arguments. Further, it is a terrific opportunity for Americans to consider the appropriate role of the federal government in mandating state and individual action.”

Joining CREW in signing the letter are: American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, American Society of News Editors, Arizona Newspapers Association, Inc., Association of Capitol Reporters and Editors, Association of Research Libraries, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, CREDO action, Defending Dissent Foundation, Ellen Smith, Legal Publication Services, Erwin Chemerinsky, Feminists for Free Expression, Government Accountability Project, Health Care for America NOW, isolon.org, Liberty Coalition, National Freedom of Information Coalition, OMB Watch, OpenTheGovernment.org, Project on Government Oversight, Society of Professional Journalists, Suffolk Media Law, The Woodbury Fund, Washington Coalition for Open Government, William A Wise Law Library, and the University of Colorado School of Law.

Click here to read the letter.

Click here to read this release on CREW’s website.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) is a non-profit legal watchdog group dedicated to holding public officials accountable for their actions. For more information, please visit www.citizensforethics.org or contact Garrett Russo at 202.408.5565 or grusso@citizensforethics.org

CONTACT:

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW)
Garrett Russo, 202-408-5565
grusso@citizensforethics.org

KEYWORDS: United States North America District of Columbia

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Public Policy/Government Healthcare Reform Congressional News/Views Law Enforcement/Emergency Services Courts Other Policy Issues Public Policy White House/Federal Government

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