Bill Text: MI SR0107 | 2011-2012 | 96th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact legislation to permit the televising of United States Supreme Court proceedings.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 9-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2012-01-17 - Referred To Committee On Judiciary [SR0107 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2011-SR0107-Introduced.html
Senator Schuitmaker offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 107.
A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact legislation to permit the televising of United States Supreme Court proceedings.
Whereas, Openness in government is an important contributor to the trust the public develops in the institutions that ultimately touch all our lives. While this has always been true, emerging technologies have increased expectations. People feel they should have to access to more information and the process of shaping public policy. In recent years, televised broadcasts of the meetings of city councils and legislative bodies at all levels have become commonplace; and
Whereas, One notable exception to the trend of more public access to key entities of government is the work undertaken by the highest court in the land. The United States Supreme Court does not permit the televising of its proceedings. The public's inability to see the court in action is most frustrating when there are high-profile cases that are the subject of widespread public interest, as with the upcoming review of key elements of the health care reform law; and
Whereas, Public trust in our institutions of government is of the utmost importance to our system of self-government. Legislation has been introduced in the 112th Congress that would permit the United States Supreme Court to televise its proceedings and provide for exceptions. Enacting such a measure would be beneficial and would increase understanding of this fundamental component of our three branches of government; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact legislation to permit the televising of United States Supreme Court proceedings; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
