A new online project provides live web streaming of court proceedings held at Quincy District Court. OpenCourt.us, run by Boston’s WBUR station, allows anyone with an internet connection to watch arraignments, plea hearings and trials in real-time.
Those behind the OpenCourt project believe that “transparent courts make for a stronger democracy.” The project allows journalists, bloggers and other members of the public to live stream court cases as they unfold.
Privacy Concerns
Some defendants have raised concerns about OpenCourt’s website. “People at home being able to watch this and know my business — I don’t like that,” said a young man who was charged with disorderly conduct in Quincy District Court. Why does everybody need to see my case (online)? It’s nobody else’s business.”
Criminal defense attorneys worry that their private conversation with clients will be recorded and streamed online. The court has held training sessions to show lawyers the dead zones in the courtroom where they can have conversations that won’t be picked up by microphones. However, the training sessions have not eliminated concerns.
For more information about the project and its restrictions, click here.
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