Christopher C. Melcher & USA TODAY file petition to restore public access for LA Courthouse non-confidential hearings

Quote: “The Los Angeles Superior Court had allowed the public and media to listen to nonconfidential proceedings in its courthouses live through its Remote Audio Attendance Program (RAAP), but canceled the program a day after a few people broke the rule against recording. The court now requires in-person attendance for the public and media to monitor and report on what happens in court, while granting video and audio access to parties, counsel, witnesses, and others through another program called LACourtConnect (LACC).”  The termination of RAAP infringes on the right of free speech and fails to provide equal protection under the law.”