Politics & Government

Supreme Court Health Care Hearings: Should They Have Been Televised?

Altadena's representative in Congres, Adam Schiff, argues that the Supreme Court hearings belong in the public eye.

This week the Supreme Court is hearing a case challenging the Affordabe Health Care Act, known to many as Obamacare.

Depending on the outcome of the hearings, a central feature of that health care legislation, a mandate requiring people to purchase health insurance, could be invalidated by the Supreme Court.  This Slate article has more information on the possible outcomes of the hearings.

Since the the health care hearings could have such a big impact on the public, some are arguing that it should be broadcast so people can hear the case.  Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Pasadena, sent out the following argument in favor of broadcasting the hearings:

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“While we may disagree about the benefits of the health care law that passed more than two years ago, we should all agree that every American deserves the opportunity to listen to the Supreme Court oral argument on the law. I was disappointed to learn that the Supreme Court declined requests to broadcast and live stream the oral argument. Every citizen should be able to watch to the Supreme Court hearings just like they tune into C-SPAN to listen to Congress debate legislation.

 “Chief Justice John Roberts has already implemented many changes in how the Supreme Court operates, including posting audio recordings from hearings every week, but he can and should do more to move the Court into the 21st Century. Allowing cameras in the nation’s highest court would increase Americans’ confidence in their government and judicial system. And while Chief Justice Roberts acknowledged the importance of this specific case by promising same-day release of audio recordings, that is a poor substitute for watching the proceedings live.

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 “I support the legislation currently pending in the Senate that would allow cameras in the courtroom – it’s time for the Supreme Court to open their doors, not just to those that are able to attend in person, but everyone across our nation.”

Interest in the hearings has been high: people began lining up outside the court over the weekend to get a chance to be one of the few to watch the hearings live.


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