Colorado Chief Justice Halts Livestreaming of Criminal Court Proceedings Amid Concerns Over Misuse
Colorado Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez has issued a directive authorizing a 90-day statewide pause on the livestreaming of criminal court proceedings, a requirement under a 2023 state law. The decision comes amid concerns that viewers are treating the content as entertainment, manipulating recordings, and posting denigrating comments about court participants. Chief Justice Márquez stated that unauthorized recordings are being placed on monetized social media channels, and platforms have refused to remove the content. She clarified that this issue is distinct from disruptions caused by malicious actors displaying inappropriate content during virtual court sessions. The directive, effective until December 14, allows judges to discontinue livestreams if there is a reasonable likelihood that remote observation would compromise safety or fairness, and no less restrictive alternative exists. This move has garnered support from some in the legal community, including retired judges and public defenders, who cite...
