Why are there court room sketch artists?

Question: Why are there court room sketch artists!?
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Tradition!.

I think it's funny when I see a really bad sketch of a defendant on the news with part of it blurred out, I mean, why bother !!!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Because reporters and camera crews and light bulbs flashing are very disruptive, distracting from the testimony being given and the concentration the jurors need to focus on the testimony being given!.

It's really that simple!.

also, the noise that would be generated by camera crews and reporters moving around a crowded courtroom would also be disruptive!.

In most states the presiding judge has the right to allow or disallow photographers in the courtroom!. But they almost always disallow them!. This is certainly true with high profile cases where they would be especially disruptive!.

In most states it is not against the law to allow photographs of trails (as several have stated)!. It is up to the discretion of each judge and almost always they say no!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

like everything in american government, the policy is an antiquated practice that the founders of our country used in the 18th century, but we never got rid of it!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

In many jurisdictions, it is illegal to photograph courtroom proceedings!. In those cases, sketch artists are needed to show a pictorial representation of the scene!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Because many trials still do not allow the press to take any type of photos or fotage in the courtroom!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I believe that it's illegal to photograph during a trial!.Www@QuestionHome@Com