Over 120 people attended last week’s panel presentation: “Scholars and Scoundrels: Media Access to Evidence in the Digital Age.”  

Using a hypothetical case - a metro shooting following the Washington football team’s NFC championship game - a panel comprised of members of the bench, bar and media explored what could or should happen with videos of the incident from cell phones, police cameras and social media. 

“We were so pleased that NPR was able to host the event, and to have Ashley Messenger, NPR’s associate general counsel, moderate,” said June Kress, CCE’s Executive Director. “This is such a timely topic both here in the District and nationally.”

Thanks to the Bench Bar Media Dialogue committee, chaired by Jim McLaughlin of the Washington Post and Laura Handman of Davis Wright Tremaine, for their great work in assembling the outstanding panel. A video of the event will be posted online in the next few weeks. The committee will be meeting this spring to discuss possible future programs that focus on the intersection of the courts and the media. If you are interested in participating contact CCE Senior Policy Analyst Tracy Velázquez at velazquez@courtexcellence.org.