Thousands tuned in last week to watch Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Denny Thomas deliver his verdict in the Travis Vader double murder trial after a special ruling allowed media to televise and live stream the proceeding.
In many ways it was a significant moment for the Canadian Justice System as it was the first time a camera has been allowed inside a criminal trial in Alberta.
The televised verdict gave the general public a unique look inside the courtroom at the conclusion of what was a highly-publicized case involving the murders of St. Albert seniors Lyle and Marie McCann.
Why is it important?
Well, believe it or not, courtrooms are open places.
You don’t have to be facing charges to walk in and simply observe a proceeding, save for the occasional trials that are sensitive in nature and closed off.
But it’s a liberty many people simply don’t exercise. We’re sure that a good chunk of the population, unless they’ve faced charges, or have gone to support someone, haven’t ever stepped foot in a courtroom.
The concept of having open courtrooms is important. It allows anyone the opportunity watch and observe as justice is dispensed. It’s about being open and transparent.
But cameras inside the courts are a different story. We’re not advocating that every trial or proceeding needs to be available via broadcast. That would be beyond the realm of transparency and would cheapen the system.
Let’s consider some of the most famous trials of Canadian history like Paul Bernardo, Robert Pickton or Russell Williams. These were moments that tested our judicial system and defined our nation. And allowing the public to be there and witness those moments as they happen is only a benefit.
It’s not that there’s anything wrong with the system, far from it. But allowing cameras into the courts more regularly for specific cases would give the public a better understanding of the courts and how they operate.
This isn’t daytime television and is certainly not about television ratings either; it’s about having open, fair and honest justice.
