Fast Trump trial transcripts a plus for New York

Donald Trump’s precedent-setting legal predicaments dominated two courtrooms Thursday. While the Supreme Court heard arguments about whether a former president has immunity from criminal prosecution, Trump sat in the dock in Manhattan on trial for paying hush money to illegally influence the 2016 election.

But the nation couldn’t witness either proceeding.

This has to change. At least New York’s court system took a sensible step toward openness this week when it began publishing daily transcripts, available for free, from Trump’s criminal trial in Manhattan. The Office of Court Administration, which manages the state’s judicial branch under Chief Court of Appeals Judge Rowan Wilson, did this in response to requests from good-government groups, news media voices, nonprofit organizations and others.

Now anyone can go to the OCA website and, with a few clicks, see a full text from start to finish of the most recent daily proceedings in the highly newsworthy and unprecedented Trump trial. It’s a sharp if limited break from tradition. It’s also a win for spreading accurate information and countering disinformation. That’s key, because the state generally doesn’t allow cameras or audio recording by spectators in its courtrooms. Only audio is available for Supreme Court proceedings.

Publishing certified transcripts can enlighten people in a world of short news cycles and social-media distortions. Seeing a courtroom exchange in its full context, and hearing sworn-in witnesses testify, gives a truer understanding of the judicial process, let alone the ins and outs of the case.

Announcing the change, OCA’s First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George said: “This historic case, which has generated unparalleled public interest, calls for this historic step by the court system.”

Looking ahead, however, a case shouldn’t have to be universally deemed special or historic or exceptional to trigger a prompt release of transcripts to those interested. It is also time to revisit allowing televised trials in New York, one of just a few states that doesn’t permit cameras in the courtroom. A pilot project ended in 1997.

State Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who called Wilson last Friday urging the Trump transcripts be made available, said he wants to advance legislation to make all court transcripts free — a good next goal. Typically, transcripts can cost those seeking them many hundreds of dollars with a time-draining request process.

OCA should work right away with lawmakers to find the most cost-efficient ways to promptly release transcripts. Senior court reporters are responsible for recording and transcribing testimony, but their availability is limited due to staffing levels. They’ll need to have input.

Especially given how eagerly and early legislators adjourn for the summer, today is a good day for the Senate and Assembly to get started. It’s a practical reform that few people would argue with. Change to keep up with the times has been a long time coming, and this is where the matter of transcripts should be trending.