A judge has approved the use of TV cameras

A judge has approved the use of TV cameras and web cameras to cover the final arguments of the polygamy trial.

On Monday, a lawyer for CBC and Global BC appeared in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver and argued that there was a strong public interest in the case.

Dan Burnett told B.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Bauman that most of the parties in the case were consenting to cameras and only one or two were taking no position.

The judge called it an “exceptional case” and agreed to allow the cameras but asked that there be a 10 to 15 minute delay in broadcast to provide what he called a safety net.

Court heard that there will likely be two TV cameras and two smaller web cameras. The cameras are expected to be focused on the judge and the lawyer making the arguments.

TV cameras have been used in at least one other courtroom proceeding in B.C. in the past but it’s believed to be the first time web cameras will be allowed inside a courtroom, Burnett said outside court.

He called the ruling a “very big deal” since it allows more or less live coverage of a major trial.

A CBC application for cameras in the courtroom at the outset of the trial was rejected by the judge.

Most of the evidence in the case has already been heard.

Final arguments are expected to begin March 28 and run for two weeks.

Read more: http://www.theprovince.com/news/cameras+green+light+polygamy+trial/42385...