USC Lecture to Take Public Inside the World of Courtroom Art

Sandra Miska

The worlds of criminal justice and visual art will intersect this month at USC with “Art in the Courts: Famous Trials Illustrated.”  This event, which will take place the evening of March 5, will feature prolific courtroom illustrators Elizabeth Williams, Bill Robles and Aggie Kenny.

Anyone who has ever watched Court TV (or any news program that covers court trials) is familiar with courtroom sketches, drawings of those who take the stands at trials where cameras are forbidden.  Williams, Robles, and Kenny alone have provided their services at the trials of Charles Manson, O.J. Simpson, John Gotti, Michael Jackson, Martha Stewart, Patty Hearst, Jerry Sandusky, David Berkowitz and Bernard Madoff.

Moderating the discussion will be Judy Miller, who is not only an USC Annenberg professor, but an award-winning television correspondent as well.   Joining her will be USC Professor of Law Jody David Armour.

According to USC, Miller and Armour “will discuss what it’s like to view and record history in the making by going where cameras cannot.  What is the reasoning behind allowing artists to record a trial instead of photographers?  How does the artist develop an unbiased eye?  How do journalists work with artists?  Does this type of reporting affect the way a lawyer presents a case?  The conversation will cover these and other topics of ethics, respect for diversity and fairness.”

“Famous Trials Illustrated” will also celebrate the publication of a new book by Elizabeth Williams and Sue Russell, The Illustrated Courtroom: 50 Years of Court Art.  Williams began here career right here in Los Angeles 35 years ago.  In addition to courtroom art, she has illustrated events and performance scenes, as well as editorial, book and advertising art.

The blog that Williams, Robles and Kenny contribute to is a great resource for anyone who wishes to know more about courtroom art.  Robles is currently working at the Aurora Theater Shooting Trial.

“Art in the Courts: Famous Trials Illustrated” will take place at the Friends of the USC Libraries Lecture Hall, March 5, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.  Admission is free.  To RSVP, go here.