“Equal justice before the law”. These four words are engraved on the very facade of the Supreme Court building in Washington DC. This phrase basically means that everyone should be treated equally and judged fairly. And yet, even with this phrase engraved on the exterior of the Supreme Court building, many people are not treated fairly due to a certain policy regarding cameras inside the courtrooms. It is understood that all American citizens should have access to what happens in a courtroom, but this is unfortunately not true. Due to the lack of cameras inside the courtroom, only those privileged to secure a seat in court can view the hearing, even though every American has the right to view the proceedings, regardless of whether he likes it or not. Cameras should be permitted in all courtrooms so that the public can view the trials as well as for the benefit of those present. Knowing that they are being recorded and watched, those participating in the trial will be vigilant, thus benefiting them. According to the book written by Larry J. Siegel and Joseph J. Senna, “[t]elevising trials […] ensures that judges, lawyers, and even witnesses act honestly […], especially cameras and television, can increase community and political pressure. on the participants…” (395). Essentially, the meaning of this quote is that people tend to be cautious when they know they are being watched. Participating judges, lawyers, and participants will behave honestly because they feel the pressure of being observed and judged on their actions. No one wants to make a fool of themselves knowing that, however unlikely it may be, the number of eyes watching can range from a lucky few in the courtroom to hundreds absent in the room. With ...... middle of paper ...... be and try a winning case. 6th ed. Nolo, 2007. Advanced search completed. Internet. November 19, 2011. Nasheri, Hedieh. Crime and justice in the era of judicial television. New York, NY, USA: LFB Scholarly Publishing LLC, 2002. Ebrary. http://site.ebrary.com/lib/scc/Doc?id=10044275&ppg=98. Internet. November 28, 2011. McCall, Gregory. “Cameras in the Courtroom: An Analysis of the Sixth Amendment.” » Columbia Law Review 85.7 (1985): p.1546-1572. Academic research completed. Internet. November 20, 2011Siegel, Larry J. and Joseph J. Senna. Introduction to criminal justice. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2008. Print.Thompson, Ellia. “Courtroom cameras: the problem is getting blurry.” La plume September 2004: 7+. Academic OneFile. Internet. November 19, 2011. Whisenand, James D. “Florida's Experiment with Courtroom Cameras.” » American Bar Association Journal 64.12 (1978): 1860. Academic research completed. Internet. November 20. 2011.