Justices Seek Public Comments Regarding Televising Proposition 8 Case
U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker is seeking public commentary regarding televising the Perry, et al. v. Schwarzenegger, et al. Proposition 8 trial (more commonly Oles/Boies). A hearing will be held on January 6, 2010 to decide whether or not the Court will allow television cameras to broadcast the trial to the public. I encourage you to share your comments with the Court. You may mail your comments to:
Hon. Phyllis Hamilton
Chair of the Rules Committee
United States Courthouse
1301 Clay Street
Oakland, CA 94612
and
Hon. Vaughn Walker
Chief Judge
United States Courthouse
450 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
****UPDATE****
Courage Campaign is now offering an online form for submission to the Court. Please take a moment, at minimum, to complete the form.
Below is the text of the letter I have sent to help you in drafting your own. Feel free to use it in whole or in part:
RE: Televising Cause No. 3:09-CV-02292-VRW Perry, et al. v. Schwarzenegger, et al.; in the United States District Court, Northern District of California.
Dear Hon. Walker:
It is my understanding that the Court has requested public commentary with respect to webcasting and/or televising the January 11, 2010 trial in the above referenced cause. Thank you for allowing the public, who have much to learn and lose from this case, to weigh in with respect to televising the proceedings.
As you know, last month the 9th Circuit joined the 2nd Circuit. In responding to criticism, 9th Circuit Chief Judge Alex Kozinski stated, “The experiment is designed to help us find the right balance between the public’s right to access to the courts and the parties’ right to a fair and dignified proceeding.” He further explained that allowing broadcasting of the proceedings would enhance confidence in the rule of law.
In Perry, there is a compelling public interest in the outcome as same-sex families throughout California and the United States lives hang by Lady Justice’s scales. While the case may not be a prosecution of an individual, it is a prosecution of a people and we have the right, at minimum to hear the allegations of our prosecutors against our families. This public interest cannot be ignored in deciding whether or not to broadcast the proceedings.
Very truly yours,
Jay Morris
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