Good news - it's Supreme Court Week.

September 30, 2009 11:02 PM

Beginning Sunday, October 4 it's Supreme Court Week on C-SPAN!

If you don't know much about the U.S. Supreme Court this looks like it will be a good opportunity to change that. The week starts off when C-SPAN airs its original documentary "The Supreme Court: Home to America's Highest Court" at 9 pm (EST) on Oct. 4. (There is a preview of it in the first link). C-SPAN already spends time covering the Supreme Court and the network is known for its advocacy of cameras in the courts. Later in the week there will be some other good programming including interviews with the justices over the weekend of October 9. The web site already has some video up including a bit on the impact of the newest justice, some words from that new member (and other members) and some great stuff on the SCOTUS building, so make sure to check out the virtual tour. CSPAN has some video at its SCOTUS Week YouTube page as well. C-SPAN likes sponsoring polls too, on September 24 they released (PDF) a Supreme Court poll (PDF), not really a C-SPAN rarity. (PDF) And don't forget, no public money pays for C-SPAN.

posted by IvoShandor (9 comments total)

And don't forget, no public money pays for C-SPAN.

Soon, no public money will pay for the federal government, either.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:09 PM on September 30, 2009 [2 favorites]

I found this behind the scenes video about the original documentary "The Supreme Court" on Politico after the fact.
posted by IvoShandor at 11:26 PM on September 30, 2009

You know, at least one link explaining the courts rejection of cameras would have been nice if you were aiming for the low bar of "Fair and Balanced." You can't really call C-SPAN's own publications on the subject a reliable source on the subject, being the largest potential benefactor of it.
posted by pwnguin at 11:27 PM on September 30, 2009

God. Is it sweeps week already?
posted by twoleftfeet at 11:47 PM on September 30, 2009

It's just like Shark Week – except with Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
posted by cgomez at 12:08 AM on October 1, 2009 [5 favorites]

Meh. Let me know when they show oral arguments on the tee vee.
posted by ryoshu at 12:52 AM on October 1, 2009

You can't really call C-SPAN's own publications on the subject a reliable source on the subject, being the largest potential benefactor of it.

Did you even read the page? C-SPAN doesn't have commercials/ads, doesn't track ratings or viewership, and is a non-profit public service. How is it not be reliable? That page definitely gives both sides, every single justice's opinion is on it, as well as some other opinions that are linked. If I had linked to TRU TV's bit on cameras in the courtroom, you'd have a point. But C-SPAN, really? What are their benefits? More ad revenue? More viewers? What is the nefarious purpose here? Anyway, if I was aiming for the low bar of "fair and balanced" I'd just sell my soul and work for FOX.
posted by IvoShandor at 2:00 AM on October 1, 2009 [2 favorites]

YES!

Doh! I moved and don't have cable anymore. Couldn't justify $60+/mo just for C-SPAN and C-SPAN 2.

Am I alone in my dorkiness? :'(
posted by daniel.poynter at 7:46 PM on October 1, 2009

I am thoroughly intrigued by the Supreme Court and look forward to checking this out. Thanks for the tip!
posted by emd3737 at 8:15 PM on October 1, 2009