Following news that the Senate stimulus bill in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as it stands, will include $500,000 for the Supreme Court to “prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus,” Fix the Court executive director Gabe Roth released the following statement:

“High-quality, multi-location livestreaming technology costs a small fraction of what the Supreme Court is receiving, so any excuses they may have had over going live, whether via phone or video conference or from an empty courtroom, will have evaporated.

“Enabling virtual participation would better protect justices and litigants, many of whom are at heightened risk to the ongoing pandemic.

“Dozens of state and federal courts, at their own expense, are already using teleconferencing technology to continue their vital work, and it’s time for the Supreme Court, buoyed by the stimulus, to join them.”