Today, for the first time in its long history, which dates back to before the United States even existed as a nation, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is scheduled to allow television cameras to record its oral argument sessions. Thus, if you tune in tonight to the Pennsylvania Cable Network at 7 p.m., you can watch the video of six oral arguments that are taking place this morning in Philadelphia. And, if you tune in an hour earlier, at 6 p.m., you can watch an interview with Chief Justice Ronald D. Castille.
This marks a commendable new level of openness at the very top of Pennsylvania’s judicial system. Although it may be true that PCN is a channel that most people watch only by accident, now appellate lawyers and other law geeks will have reason to search out where among the 999+ cable and satellite channels PCN can be found. Indeed, I would be among those tuning in to watch tonight’s historic telecast were I not already observing today’s proceedings in person because I am scheduled to present oral argument in two of the six cases that are on today’s calendar before Pennsylvania’s highest court.
