Durbin backs bill to require TV in high court

CHICAGO (AP) — U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin continues to push for legislation that would require the U.S. Supreme Court to televise its public proceedings.

The Illinois Democrat and Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley introduced the Cameras in the Courtroom Act of 2011, which passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday by an 11-7 vote.

Cameras in state courts have become increasingly common. Illinois itself is beginning to test the use of cameras in its circuit courts.

But federal courts and especially the nation's highest court have been more resistant. Many federal judges believe video or TV coverage undermines the deliberative court process as participants play to the cameras.

But in a statement Thursday, Durbin said there's no valid reason for the powerful high court to operate outside the public eye.