Wed, Aug 20, 2008 (2:05 a.m.)

In a rare move, the Nevada Supreme Court is allowing its hearing today on three controversial ballot initiative petitions to be broadcast on the Internet.

In a statement, Chief Justice Mark Gibbons said the court understood the interest in today’s hearings and said the Internet broadcast would “give everyone in the state a chance to watch the proceedings.”

The court is being asked whether the initiative petitions, backed by Venetian owner Sheldon Adelson, are valid and should be on the fall ballot. Two of the initiatives target the hotel room tax — one would cap the amount collected, the other would divert room tax revenue to schools and other government departments. The third initiative would require that two-thirds of the public approve any future tax increase.

The hourlong hearing is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. and can be viewed at www.nvsupremecourt.us.

This will be only the fourth time the court has allowed a hearing to be broadcast on the Internet and it is notable because many courts routinely keep cameras out of the courtroom.

We believe that allowing more Americans to see court hearings will help foster a broader understanding — which is sorely needed — of democracy. We hope the justices’ action will lead other judges to drop their opposition to cameras in the courtroom.