Griffis backs cameras in court

By By William F. West / community editor
July 23, 2002
Kenny Griffis doesn't mind the public watching the court's business through the lens of the camera.
Griffis said he favors cameras in the courtroom, as long as they don't intrude on the dignity of the proceedings. He also pledged to be accessible to the press.
But, he added, "I think that it should not get in the way of the actual search for the truth."
He said he doesn't want lawyers playing to the cameras and public opinion, citing the trial of O.J. Simpson as an example. "I think that shows you where there's a problem with courtroom cameras," he said.
Among other issues, Griffis said he supports the death penalty. "I believe the laws are clear on that, and it's our obligation as judges to follow the laws as written by the Legislature."
Regarding minimum and maximum sentences, he said he thinks "we have to have some leeway in there for the appropriate sentence for the appropriate crime under the appropriate facts. I think my role as an Appeals Court judge would be to make sure that those sentences are applied throughout the state."
He said corporate accountability "is something that's very important to us. I think corporate CEOs, just as any other person, has to follow the law. If they've violated laws, they should pay."
Griffis' supporters said they liked what they heard.
Wright said he has a special interest in Griffis' family dating back to when Griffis' mother, Clarice, was a nurse there when he went to the hospital.
Griffis' wife, Mary Helen, 32, will go to the hospital early next year to deliver their fifth child. On Monday, she was at her husband's side in the heat and humidity.
Asked how she would cope with her condition while on the campaign trail, she said, "The very best I can.