Make 3 Phone Calls = Get Cameras in NY Courts!
Introduction
Memorial Day weekend, traditionally a time of reflection and respect, offers us a unique opportunity to honor our democratic values by advocating for a transparent judicial system in New York State. As citizens vested in the fairness and accessibility of our legal proceedings, we can use this time to push for a significant legislative change: the introduction of cameras in New York courtrooms. This year, we can make a real impact by making three critical phone calls to key legislative figures.
The Importance of Cameras in Courtrooms
The presence of cameras in courtrooms has long been debated, with transparency advocates highlighting several benefits:
- Increased Public Access: Cameras allow the public real-time access to court proceedings, ensuring everyone can witness the judicial process without physical or geographic barriers.
- Educational Value: Live or recorded footage can help demystify court procedures, serving educational purposes and enhancing public understanding of legal mechanisms.
- Accountability and Trust: Visual records of trials can help ensure that officials and legal participants are accountable, thus fostering greater trust in judicial outcomes.
Despite these benefits, New York remains one of the last states to prohibit cameras in courtrooms, citing concerns about privacy and the potential impact on trial participants. However, with careful regulation, these issues have been effectively managed in other states, pointing to a need for change in New York.
Three Phone Calls This Memorial Day Weekend
To effect this change, we encourage you to make three important phone calls over Memorial Day weekend to the following officials:
- Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie: 518-455-3791
- Judiciary Chair Charles Lavine: 518-455-5456
- Your NY State Assembly Member: If you reside in New York, you can find your Assembly member’s contact here. If you’re outside New York, you can choose any Assembly member to call.
Your Message
When you call, you might say something like this:
“I am [Your Name], and I live in New York. I strongly support the introduction of cameras in our courts and the passage of bill A712a to ensure judicial transparency and accountability. [Feel free to add any personal remarks or experiences that support your stance.]”
This simple yet powerful message conveys your support for an essential change in the judicial system.
Encourage Others to Participate
Spread the word to friends, family, and colleagues. Encourage them to participate in this campaign by making their own calls. The more voices that are heard, the more attention this issue will receive, increasing the pressure on legislators to act.
Share Your Experience
After making your calls, please share your experience with us by emailing [email protected]. Your feedback is invaluable and will help us gauge the effectiveness of this campaign and plan future actions.
Conclusion
This Memorial Day, let’s honor our democratic principles by advocating for a more transparent, accessible, and trustworthy judicial system in New York. Your calls can make a significant difference in the push for legal reforms that enhance public trust and accountability. Let’s seize this opportunity to make our voices heard and contribute to the betterment of our state’s judicial transparency.
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