Alito Warns of ‘Observer Effect’ if Courtroom Cameras Are Allowed

Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. opposes televised Supreme Court arguments, and he explained why on Thursday: Lawyers would play to the cameras.

Alito said in a speech at Drake in De Moines that cameras would have “a noticeable observer effect,” at least in cases attracting national interest, the Des Moines Register reports. In a speech outlining the history of oral arguments, he said lawyers at one time used theatrics to please the audience and it could happen again, if cameras are allowed.

"Unfortunately, those who advocate the televising of our arguments generally proceed on an assumption that I believe is incorrect," Alito said. "And that assumption is that televising our arguments would not change the nature of the arguments.

"I disagree," he said. "Whenever an event is televised, and the participants think that any sort of substantial audience is watching, their behavior is changed."