Livestream Proposal Raises Concerns
Attorney Franz Borghardt joined Mornings with Brian Haldane to break down a new bill that would livestream East Baton Rouge Family Court. The bill comes from Senator Regina Barrow. It would allow cameras in family court with certain limits. Hearings involving children would not be streamed.
Borghardt said the idea sounds like transparency. But he believes it creates more problems than it solves. Family court deals with people at their lowest moments. He said livestreaming those cases turns real pain into public entertainment. He questioned why the bill targets only Baton Rouge, which recently faced criticism after claims of corruption. The Supreme Court investigated and found no major issues. One justice did raise concerns in a separate letter, which added more tension to the debate.
Why Only Family Court?
Borghardt argued that if lawmakers want cameras in courtrooms, the rule should apply to all courts, not only family court. Criminal and civil courts also handle major public decisions. He said selective transparency looks suspicious. It risks shaping public opinion around one area of law instead of the entire system.
Second Bill Could Burden Abuse Victims
The conversation also covered House Bill 306 by Rep. Kathy Edmonston. Current law makes the abuser pay court costs in domestic-violence cases. The new bill shifts many of those costs back to victims after the first hearing.
Borghardt warned that this could scare victims away from seeking help. It creates a financial barrier during an already dangerous and stressful time. He believes the bill, like the livestream proposal, appears tied to one ongoing case, not broad public need.
Borghardt’s Bottom Line
Courts are not perfect. Accountability matters. But Borghardt said livestreaming only family court and raising costs for victims is not real reform. True transparency should apply everywhere, without harming people already in crisis.