In a significant move for judicial transparency, the New York Court System has announced that daily transcripts from former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial will be made publicly available. The decision, described by a spokesperson for the courts as a “novel step,” will allow public access to the proceedings of a case that has garnered exceptional attention.
The transcripts will be posted on the New York State Unified Court System website before the end of the following business day, ensuring “broad and continuous public access to this extraordinarily high-profile case.” This move comes amidst New York state laws that are among the nation’s most restrictive regarding media coverage of court proceedings, with broadcasting of trial proceedings sharply limited.
Trump, who has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records, commented that things went “very well” on Monday, the first day of the argument phase following jury selection. Accused of attempting to conceal payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election, Trump could face probation or up to four years in prison if convicted.
Regulations restricting media coverage in courtrooms have been around for almost a century. This was triggered by the disturbing scene of bright flashbulbs and camera operators standing on witness tables during the 1935 trial of the man charged with the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh’s baby son. This information comes from a 2022 report by the New York-based Fund for Modern Courts.
However, with a growing interest in transparent government, these laws began to be relaxed, and video cameras started to be allowed in courts nationwide, typically under the discretion of the presiding judges in specific cases.
New York also permitted them on a trial basis from 1987 to 1997, but they were eventually discontinued.
Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas articulated the rationale behind the decision, saying, “With current law restricting the broadcasting of trial proceedings and courtroom space for public spectators very limited, the release of the daily transcripts on the court system’s website is the best way to provide the public a direct view of the proceedings in this historic trial.”
The trial has involved notable figures, including Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, who has become a key prosecution witness. Other prominent individuals mentioned or involved include adult film star Stormy Daniels, former Playboy model Karen McDougal, and former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker.
Relevant articles:
– NY court will publish transcripts from Trump’s hush money trial. Here’s how you can access them., usatoday.com, 04/23/2024
– Trump trial: Highlights from opening statements and first witness testimony, The Associated Press, Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:46:00 GMT
– You can now read daily transcripts of the Trump trial, here’s how, The Hill, Mon, 22 Apr 2024 23:13:00 GMT