Dissertations and Theses @ UNI
Availability
Open Access Thesis
Keywords
Conduct of court proceedings--Moral and ethical aspects; Television broadcasting of court proceedings--Moral and ethical aspects; Academic theses;
Abstract
Cameras in Court: A Utilitarian Ethical Approach is a theoretical discussion that establishes ethical guidelines for journalists and judges concerning cameras in court. Using utilitarian and deontological ethics the research will show that the current professional codes for journalists and judges are not sufficient and that a more utilitarian approach is necessary. Although still cameras were allowed in courtrooms in the early 1900s, it was the 1995 trial of football star O.J. Simpson that many say forever changed the way journalists, judges, and the public viewed cameras in court. Today, many judges are restricting camera access in high-profile cases, while journalists continue to fight for entrance into America's courtrooms. The debate between journalists and judges arises out of a conflict between the two different ethical codes. Codes for journalists look at ethical dilemmas from a utilitarian view, asking journalists to think about the consequences of their decisions, while most judicial codes encourage deontology, or action based on duty, not consequences. The research will show that both journalists and judges want cameras to educate the public by teaching them how the judicial system operates. However, many journalists and judges agree that the education is not occurring and therefore, a more uniform code of ethics specific to cameras in court is needed. This study establishes a utilitarian code for both journalists and judges that emphasizes accountability, cooperation, respect, and education. These guidelines will increase communication and understanding between the professionals, and allow for more ethical decision making regarding cameras in court.
Year of Submission
2005
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Department of Communication Studies
First Advisor
Shing-Ling Sarina Chen
Second Advisor
Roberta Davilla
Third Advisor
Jayne Morgan-Witte
Date Original
2005
Object Description
1 PDF file (86 leaves)
Copyright
©2005 Kylie L. Greene
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Greene, Kylie L., "Cameras in Court: A Utilitarian Ethical Approach" (2005). Dissertations and Theses @ UNI. 2782.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/etd/2782
Comments
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