MN Supreme Court Ruling Could Mean More Televised Trials

ST. PAUL, MN — A ruling handed down by the Minnesota Supreme Court on Wednesday could drastically increase the number of criminal trials that are televised or live-streamed.

Under the state's current rules, cameras are only allowed if the trial judge and all parties involved in the case provide their consent.

Two recent exceptions to the rules — the trials of former police officers Derek Chauvin and Kim Potter — were made due to the pandemic. But those trials prompted the state's high court to consider if it should expand camera access.

Neighboring states Iowa and Wisconsin have more lenient rules on visual and audio coverage of trials.

But Wednesday's ruling drastically reduces the barriers to cameras in Minnesota courtrooms. Starting next year, trial judges will decide on camera access on a case-by-case basis.

The court's ruling removed the requirement of party consent and gives district courts "broader discretion to allow visual and audio coverage of criminal trials."

According to the court, the new rules "will promote transparency and confidence in the basic fairness that is an essential component of our system of justice in Minnesota and protect the constitutional rights and safety of all participants in criminal proceedings in the State."

In her dissent, Justice Ann McKeig said that the new rules could cause practical challenges for courts with small staffs, hindering the "expedient administration of justice in those counties and districts."

McKeig also voiced concerns about how expanded camera access could harm victims and communities of color, who are "disparately punished by the American criminal justice system."

The new rules will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.