Woody West

In the following viewpoint, Woody West argues that placing cameras in courtrooms will not improve coverage of the legal system or reduce judicial activism. According to West, television coverage is likely to remain focused on drama instead of substance. He also asserts that despite the claims of some conservatives, “demystifying” the courts by allowing for the greater use of cameras is more likely to degrade the judicial system than reduce activism by liberal judges. West is an associate editor for Insight on the News.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What is the “demystifying” argument in favor of cameras in the courtroom, as defined by the author?
2. In the author’s opinion, what type of trial scenes does television show most frequently...