On Monday, a grand jury in Fulton County, Georgia, decided to indict Donald Trump and 18 people for fraud and racketeering in connection with their efforts to alter the results of the state’s presidential election. The New York Times stated that state courts in Georgia normally allow cameras in the courtroom, in contrast to the two federal proceedings against the former president, which will not admit cameras at trial.
Although the appointed judge, Scott McAfee, has not yet commented on whether or not cameras would be allowed during the trial, it is widely expected that it will be shown on television.
David Hudson, general counsel of the Georgia Press Association, told the New York Times that in his 40 years in the industry, he had never seen a state trial that was off-limits to reporters and cameras. Hudson believes that cameras will be allowed in this trial.
The objective of Georgia courts is to “promote access to and understanding of court proceedings,” especially for the news media and the general public, as stated in an order regarding state law on recording devices in courtrooms issued in 2018.
According to David Hudson, most applications from news organizations seeking permission to record court sessions in Georgia are granted. Even the most high-profile trials in Georgia have been open, Hudson told the Times, although there may be restrictions such as not featuring the jury or using a pool system to reduce overcrowding.
Legal counsel for the Georgia Association of Broadcasters, Derek Bauer, has stated that if a judge in the state of Georgia wishes to close the courtroom, he must present evidence in a hearing as to why the prohibition of cameras would safeguard specific interests.
According to Bauer, who spoke with the Times, judges seldom attempt to close a courtroom, and when they do, state appellate courts typically overturn their judgments.
Bauer does not expect the trial against Trump and his associates to be closed. He explained that the state recognizes the “importance of open courtroom proceedings,” especially in criminal trials.
