The court’s policy changes, announced Monday, respond to public complaints.

By Tony Mauro and Marcia Coyle

…Judith Schaeffer, acting president of the Constitutional Accountability Center, admits that she has used a line stander, but only once—for the same-sex marriage arguments.

“My reaction as a bar member is that the court really should take a step back and consider what has brought the court to this step,” she said. “To me, it’s a very simple fact that many Americans as well as bar members are deeply interested in proceedings of the court. There is a very simple solution—live audio or preferably live video.”

Schaeffer noted that live audio of arguments are broadcast into the court’s lawyers’ lounge. “There’s no legitimate reason for the court not to share that with the public,” she added. “It doesn’t require new technology or cameras—just somebody with authority to turn that switch on. For the court to take a step like this instead of dealing with the real issue is mindboggling to me.”….