Supreme Court is taking new look at TV in trials

The Supreme Court is taking a new look at televised proceedings in state courtrooms in considering a challenge to one of Florida's televised cases. Florida pioneered the controversial cameras-in-the-courtroom concept with an experimental program that got under way in July 1977. Now, nearly 30 states allow televised coverage at some level. Maryland this week adopted an 18-month experimental program, and a dozen other states are actively considering allowing the presence of cameras.

Florida's rule is being challenged by two Miami police officers, whose lawyer will attempt to convince the Supreme Court that the presence of cameras at the officers' burglary trial denied them a fair trial.