Common Cause NY on Trump Trial: Release The Transcripts!

NEW YORK, NY (04/15/2024) (readMedia)-- With jury selection underway in the matter of People v. Donald Trump, Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause New York, issued the following statement about the need for greater transparency:

"The ongoing criminal case against Donald Trump is a national issue with the potential to impact the 2024 Presidential Election - and New York's antiquated transparency laws are no excuse to keep such important information from the public. The strength of our judicial system relies on the belief that everyone is equal under the law. During such a hotly contested and deeply polarized election season, and with public trust in government at near-historic lows, the Courts have an obligation to ensure the public knows the proceedings are fair and equal for everyone - including the former President. Since the State cannot provide video or audio of the trial, it must make written transcripts of all proceedings available to the public."

Background

New York State is one of the only jurisdictions in the country that does not allow visual or audio coverage of court trials. During the pandemic, New York courts allowed audio recordings of trials to be made public, but the state has since reversed that policy.

A bill (S.160) introduced by NYS Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and co-sponsored by Senator Jessica Ramos would require the court system to livestream trial proceedings and allow reporters to record, with caveats for vulnerable witnesses (including children or victims of sexual misconduct).