Recently I came across
someone questioning that only cameras that don’t exceed the noise level of a
Leica rangefinder camera are allowed to be used during actual court
proceedings. The question was if this
was true or if it was just a myth. This
sparked some curiosity on my part and I began to research the topic. Here is what I found:
Leica M4
In summer of 1977 the
state of Florida began a one year experiment to allow the use of still cameras,
tape recorders and live television broadcasts by accredited news agencies
during court sessions. It marked the
first time since the early 1960s that the media could venture into public
trials and visually record the principals of a case with more than pen and
sketch pad.
One of the earliest cases
which received national attention during this experimental period was that of a
15 year old Miami boy who had been charged with murdering an elderly retiree
during a robbery. Major news networks
showed film clips almost daily and the nation’s newspapers were supplied with
photos by the various wire services. At
about the same time the Georgia Supreme Court, in consultation with the state
bar association, drew up board guidelines for the admittance of news cameras
etc. during state judicial proceedings.
The chief judge of each Georgia superior court circuit was given the
prerogative to formulate a specific coverage plan in his own district.
Many of those judges used
their power and position to effectively exclude members of the visual media by
not approving any plan of coverage for their trials in their
jurisdictions. Still and television
cameras were still barred in many counties in Georgia, even though the state’s
highest court had sanctioned their use.
The supreme courts in both
states further stipulated that the use of flash and motor drives were
prohibited. In addition the chief
justices gave the presiding judges the discretion to reject those cameras with
noise levels which would distract jurors during testimony and “detract from the
decorum of the Court.” That brought up
the question of which cameras were quiet enough to meet the noise criteria set
down by a crusty, conservative Georgia or Florida circuit judge.
The answer was
unanimous: “Get a Leica M3 or M4 and a
90mm or 135mm lens.” Soon photographers
began winning accolades of judges for the discreet quietness of their cameras.
Ken Klanicki, a court room reporter, wrote:
"Because the residing judge has the discretion to excuse any photographer whom he deems to be using inappropriate equipment, I feel certain the Leica gives me an edge over other newsmen who might be excluded for their too noisy camera. Most judges are particularly sensitive to distractions within their courts, but I have yet to experience the icy glare of a circuit court judge because my Leica made a racket."
Medical assistant testifying.
Leica M4, 135mm f/4 Tele Elmar
Photo: Ken Klanicki
Thus the conclusion is
that even though judges do have the final word if cameras are allowed in court,
the noise level of the Leica cameras apparently have become the standard. This is further underlined in a document
called "Supreme Court Etiquette for Media" from the Vermont State
Supreme Court. Under "Special Rules for Cameras and Recording
Equipment," it says:
“Not more than one still
photographer, utilizing not more than two still cameras with not more than two
lenses for each camera and related equipment for print purposes shall be
permitted in any court proceeding. Such cameras shall produce no greater sound
than a 35mm Leica "M" Series rangefinder camera.”
With other words, as long as a camera is not noisier than a Leica M camera, it is permissible.
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I am sure there are other cameras that are just as quiet as a Leica, many of the mirrorless cameras, for instance.
ReplyDeleteThat is correct. Nowhere did I say in the article that Leicas are the only cameras allowed in courtrooms. However, this is just another instance where Leica has been leading the rest of the camera world. And please don't forget, Leica M cameras, the Leica SL, Leica T and Leica X are all mirrorless cameras.
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