Is it a good idea to televise the proceedings inside of a drug court? For the past several years, Judge Mary Ann Gunn of Fayetteville has had her courtroom taped and played on a local television station for the past six years. Judge Gunn no doubt sees it as a way to promote the excellent work of the drug courts, which gives those who are arrested for possession and sales of drugs a second chance. Rather than sending them to jail or prison, participants enroll in a vigorous program that includes counseling and work and staying clean. Statistics have shown that a much larger percentage of people going through such programs break free of their addictions than do those who are incarcerated.
But, is it a good idea to have it on television? Well, no doubt it would attract the attention of the viewing audience and perhaps when some people see all that is involved and how miserable people are, it will discourage some people from getting involved in drugs. Perhaps it will also show some people that it is possible, with treatment, to break free.
But think about this: television shows don’t just air one time. And so these people may go on to get clean and free but their faces and stories will still air on television over and over and over again. Therefore, that’s why some of them have brought a suit to try to get the show stopped.
Judge Gunn was asked to take her show national, and so she asked the Arkansas State Supreme Court Committee on Ethics for their opinion. A few months ago they came back with an answer: no. The show was shut down by the panel in late 2010. It is feared that this will not be helpful for the participants.
On Jun 7, 2011 Governor Mike Beebe announced the replacement for Judge Gunn who has now resigned.
But the show will go on, in one form or another. Beginning in fall of 2011, “Last Shot with Judge Gunn” (catchy title) will air on national television, produced by Trifecta Entertainment and Media.
One would think that this type of show may be helpful – if the names of the participants were changed and actors were used so that there would be no everlasting embarrassment. Of course, Judge Gunn’s desire to use footage of her earlier shows is still under discussion, as is the privilege of using pictures of the courthouse building and staff who worked there without getting everyone’s permission.
Let’s hope that a good resolution can be found.
