Press

PRESS

CREW Calls for Supreme Court to Televise Health Care Oral Arguments

Washington, D.C. – 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.