Chief Justice Uneasy About Cameras in Courtroom

WASHINGTON — Chief Justice John Roberts says he's concerned about the effect that having television cameras in the Supreme Court would have on lawyers and justices.

The court doesn't allow live television or audio broadcasting of arguments inside its chambers.

Roberts says "movement will be gradual" at the court. He says he's concerned how lawyers and justices will act if they are televised nationwide. He says they "unfortunately fall into grandstanding with a couple hundred people in the courtroom."

Roberts does note that the court is providing argument transcripts and audio faster than ever before and that "we are moving in a particular direction."

Roberts made his comments during the annual conference of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.

That meeting was broadcast on C-SPAN.