It’s a bit of a stretch to me that anyone can be “the press,” although these days, when the cost of getting information out there is virtually zero, perhaps the distinction between them and regular people is irrelevant. Nevertheless, I don’t feel comfortable calling this a rights issue. Laws against recording public officials are stupid, but do we have to invoke the sacred and inalienable prerogatives granted us by God and Nature for every little thing?
By the way, what will this mean for all the various ways the real press is restricted? Surely cameras from legitimate and recognized outlets are routinely turned away by the authorities in different circumstances. Could a TV station claim banning cameras from court violates amendment one? I’m as tired as anyone of the slippery slope argument, but I truly don’t see where this ends.
They have tried it in the past, it has not held up. I personally think it would be a good thing for judges to be recorded. If it was a particularily sensitive case, ban the publication of the recording until after the verdict is rendered.