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SCOTUS to Allow Cameras in Court

By Robyn Hagan Cain | Last updated on

Chief Justice John Roberts announced on Facebook this morning that the Supreme Court has shifted its position on cameras in the Court.

"In light of the overwhelming response to the same-day audio recordings in the same-sex marriage cases last week, we are moving forward with a new plan to introduce the Court into multimedia platforms including television and social media," the Chief Justice wrote in a post that has already received over six million "likes."

Sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, say the Court will enter the television market with a splash on June 27, when the Justices will issue the final -- and most controversial -- opinions of the term.

"Justice Thomas has been quietly courting Bravo's Andy Cohen to host the final opinions based on the wild popularity of the Real Housewives franchise and his success on "Watch What Happens Live." After realizing that two-third of Americans can't name a single Supreme Court Justice, and some have never even heard of the Supreme Court, the Justices are ready to address their image crisis," one source claims.

Starting in the 2013 Term, the Court will also add an audience participation component to its decisions, though the details have not yet been finalized.

"Justice Scalia actually introduced the audience participation idea," another source tells us. "He's a huge America's Next Top Model fan, and he was really impressed by the way Tyra Banks incorporated the audience vote into the show's weekly elimination. Justice Scalia believes that viewers at home know as much about constitutional law as they do about what makes a good model, and he's ready for the public's voices to be heard. Plus, it would be a ratings gold mine!"

The only opposition from the Bench is from the most junior member of the Court, Justice Elena Kagan, who is concerned that televised proceedings would eliminate the mystique surrounding the Court's inner-workings. "Cameras are unbecoming of an Article III court. Such pedestrian antics are better left to the state courts. #A3forLife" Justice Kagan tweeted.

A Supreme Court spokesperson told FindLaw, "I can't believe this is actually happening. Yesterday, I would have sworn it was an April Fool's joke, but today, it's a reality."

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