I, like many others in Washtenaw County, Michigan, as well as interested parties across the World have found a sense of connection and transparency through the ability to watch court hearings online during the Covid-19 pandemic. This accessibility allowed us to stay informed and involved despite our busy schedules or other obligations that prevented us from attending in person. The recent discontinuation of this service has been deeply upsetting.

The courts should be available to the public at all times. In an era where technology is so readily available, there is no reason why court proceedings cannot be streamed for those who wish to view them but are unable to attend physically. Streaming these proceedings would not only increase transparency but also foster a greater sense of community involvement. Further, victim's families who are are not local would have access to the actual proceedings, as opposed to a summary report or large travel expenses to attend in person. 

Accordingly, we call upon the local government and judiciary system of Washtenaw County, including the 14A, 14B & 15th District Courts to allow court hearings be live-streamed on platforms such as YouTube. This will ensure that justice remains visible and accessible for everyone in our community. Viewers across the world have connected with Judge Cedric J. Simpson. Our judicial system has been opened like never before and the ignorance that was previous experienced by millions about the process has been replaced with extensive knowledge about the process and the law in general. 

Please sign this petition if you believe in open access to justice and want our courts' operations transparent.