Why sketches are made in an American court, and not photographs

Why sketches are made in an American court, and not photographs
Why sketches are made in an American court, and not photographs
Anonim
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At least in the movies or in the news bulletins related to crime in the United States, our compatriots had to deal with such a thing as court sketches. In America, the brightest moments of the trial are drawn by professional artists. Why is that? Wouldn't it be better to use modern photography and video equipment? After all, the camera for filming has been invented for a long time. In fact, things are not so simple for the inhabitants of the western continent.

The first cameras were very large
The first cameras were very large

The camera was invented in 1826. Despite this, to this day in the United States of America, during trials, they prefer to use the services of artists, rather than photographers. But do not be deceived: certainly in the 21st century cameras and video cameras still end up in the courtroom, journalists have the opportunity to film everything that happens if they are allowed to do so by the court. However, where did the Americans get such an attitude to photography?

Court sessions in the United States are drawn to this day
Court sessions in the United States are drawn to this day

With closed sessions, everything is clear anyway: you can neither shoot nor paint. But why is photography and video filming prohibited in some processes, but drawing is allowed? In fact, everything is quite simple: tradition. The ban on photography in a courtroom in the United States came with the first cameras. The first devices were heavy and cumbersome, and most importantly, they gave a monstrous flash. In those days, it was reasonably believed that the work of a photographer in the courtroom would only distract from the work of all participants in the process. Nevertheless, it was necessary to somehow illuminate the processes for the masses, and therefore they came up with the idea of using artists.

Today you can take pictures, but not everywhere
Today you can take pictures, but not everywhere

The tradition with a complete or partial ban on photographic equipment continues to this day. It is gradually disappearing, but in most states the judicial system still holds on to it for several reasons. Firstly, this is a truly beautiful tradition. Secondly, modern judges, prosecutors and lawyers still believe that the presence of journalists "running with the camera" can distract the participants in the trial. Thirdly, representatives of the judicial system like to point out that something that should not be included in a photograph can accidentally (or not by chance). This means that there is a great risk that the "bad" picture will very quickly become a subject of the public domain. Forensic sketches are devoid of such shortcomings.

It is generally accepted that the photographer distracts the participants in the process
It is generally accepted that the photographer distracts the participants in the process

If you want to know even more about law and order, then you should definitely read about how to properly transport weapons in the car and avoid problems with the law.

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