Donald Trump indicted: Lawyers argue courtroom cameras would ‘create a circus’

Donald Trump’s attorneys have urged a judge to reject media outlets’ request for cameras inside the Manhattan courtroom before he appears before a Grand Jury on Tuesday afternoon. The former President’s legal team claimed that court cameras would lead to a circus-like atmosphere, pose significant security concerns and are against his right to innocence. New York State has barred courts and broadcasts from televising proceedings in the courtroom since the 1930s.

Soon after, Trump publically confirmed that he would appear in court in New York City for the first time. He faced criminal charges as a result of his attorney’s payment of $130,000 to porn star Stormy Daniels on the eve of the 2016 presidential election.

The media’s request to bring still and motion cameras in the courtroom cited Trump’s indictment as he would be the first former US president to face criminal charges.

Trump’s lawyers, including Joe Tacopina, oppose the efforts to introduce cameras in the courthouse.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office, in the meantime, did not take a stance on whether to allow cameras to be placed. In a letter written by Assistant District Attorney Matthew Colangelo, he announced that in circumstances that judges permit videography, photography, and radio coverage, they retain control over the proceedings.

Colangelo recently permitted still images to be taken in a previous case of Trump’s appearance in another criminal suit against the Trump Organization, which resulted in conviction. However, former Manhattan federal prosecutor Sarah Krissoff of Day Pitney LLP indicated that the judge, Juan Merchan, who was presiding over Trump’s arraignment, would not permit the introduction of cameras due to the importance of treating his case like any other defendant’s.

In the meantime, several Democrats in New York State have pressed to pass legislation that would alter the law against filming inside the courtroom.

Although the area outside the courthouse is to be filled with cameras from various news outlets, up to 50-60 press members could be within the courthouse. Although Trump is expected to arrive at the courthouse at 11 in the morning before his 2:15 afternoon arraignment, the time period expected for the proceedings would be between 15 to 30 minutes, with possible delays for security reasons and possible objections to the indictment.