Expanded Media Coverage Handbook
INTRODUCTORY NOTE BY
CHIEF JUSTICE MARSHA K. TERNUS
Court proceedings in Iowa are, as a general proposition, open to the public. Such openness is a hallmark of our nation’s justice system. Although it is true that anyone can attend a court hearing and learn about the court system first-hand, few individuals have the time or inclination to do so. Instead, most people rely on the media to keep them informed of the work of the courts. Therefore, it is imperative that courts collaborate with the media to enable coverage of court proceedings to the fullest extent possible without impinging on the rights of litigants to a fair trial.
Since the adoption of court rules for expanded media coverage in 1979, Iowa’s courts have been open to audio and visual media coverage. Under our rules, the Iowa Freedom of Information Council plays a key role in coordinating expanded media coverage. Inside this edition of the Expanded Media Coverage handbook, you will find the Iowa FOI Council and judicial branch rules governing the use of cameras and other recording devices in Iowa courtrooms. Thanks to the careful oversight of the Council and the high standards of professionalism of Iowa’s media, Iowa’s court proceedings are highly visible outside the courthouse walls.
On behalf of the Iowa Judicial Branch, I applaud the Council for its continuing efforts to coordinate expanded media coverage of the courts, and I commend the members of Iowa’s news media for their cooperation and their interest in the work of the courts.
