Open courtrooms, even in a pandemic, are critical to fair trials.

Unlike the closed star chamber Soviet trials of “enemies of the state,” we have a long tradition of fair and open trials.

Tim Jones’ trial in Lexington County for murdering his 6 children is an excellent example. The long trial was available by video for everyone to watch.

This month’s trial of an arsonist who tried to set his former girlfriend afire was the 1st county trial this year due to increased covid-19 vaccinations. We expect all local trials to be conducted in open courtrooms.

WHEN COURTROOMS are closed – for whatever reason – bad decisions can be made without any of us being the wiser.

I don’t have to tell you this is one way of helping keep witnesses honest. Some don’t even if they are under oath.

The trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd shows the importance of open courtrooms, say Eric Robinson of the UofSC Journalism and Mass Communications School.

Despite heated arguments of police treatment of minorities and the potential for media sensationalizing it, the trial has been shown live on TV and online.

Most of the media’s trial coverage has relied on live feeds of the proceedings.

This shows that a trial can be covered by cameras without turning into a sensation, Robinson says. And it provides a good example of the reasons why courts should be open to the public and the press.

OPEN TRIALS, famous English judge William Blackstone wrote in 1768, keeps witnesses honest.

An open examination of witnesses, he wrote, “in the presence of all mankind, is much more conducive to the clearing up of truth, than private and secret examination.

Witnesses may say in secret what they would be ashamed to testify in public.

It assures the courts operate fairly and that prosecutors don’t abuse their power.

The 6th Amendment to the US Constitution requires that “the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial.”

The US Supreme Court has held that open courts are required under the 1st Amendment right of free speech.

Press coverage plays an important role in showing the fairness of judges and the basis for legal rulings and verdicts.

ON ANOTHER SUBJECT, my friend Jim Clarkson says proposed federal laws to create new energy jobs, reliability and efficiency are all lies. These are nothing but payoffs and subsidies for every energy group that can afford a lobbyist.

None of it is a coherent plan.

Even if this were a real energy plan, it would be wrong to enact.

Government economic planners caused the collapse of European economies.

These energy proposals will do nothing but transfer money from truly worthwhile projects to politically-favored energy groups who cannot attract private investors.

Remember Obama’s $535 million Solyndra solar energy deal? It was a bust.

During economic downturns when money is scarce, Jim urges us to use our own energy savings plan. Turn down the thermostat.

“Things that matter aren’t things.”