Durbin: US Supreme Court Should Provide Live Audio

Sen. Dick Durbin wants the U.S. Supreme Court to provide live audio broadcasts of its proceedings.

The Illinois Democrat sent a letter to Chief Justice John Roberts on Tuesday.

Durbin says many high-profile proceedings are scheduled for the coming weeks. He says live audio broadcasts ``would greatly expand the Court's accessibility to average Americans.''

Durbin also says the broadcasts would provide "greater accountability, transparency, and understanding of our judicial system.''

The court decided recently to release same-day transcripts and end-of-the-week audio of oral arguments and opinion announcements. Durbin applauded that decision but said the court should take another step.

The court is expected to issue opinions soon on two closely watched same-sex marriage cases. This week the court struck down a law requiring would-be voters to prove they are citizens.