Second District to Hear Red Light Camera Case

[Cynthia Foster]

California drivers may get an answer on whether or not to fear those red camera lights after all.

On Tuesday, the Second District Court of Appeal decided to take up People v. Goldsmith, in which the Los Angeles Superior Court Appellate Division ruled photos from the cameras installed on traffic lights were admissible evidence. (The Appellate Division in Orange County had previously ruled, in People v. Khaled, that the photos were hearsay.)

"Our review of the issues presented in the case establishes that transfer to this court is necessary in order to secure uniformity of decision and to settle important questions of law," the Second District's unsigned order states.

John Jackman, attorney for defendent Carmen Goldsmith, speculated that the court may have seen a need for a definitive answer in an increasing number of appeals of this type.

"Maybe they think it's time to resolve it once and for all," he said.

The hearing is scheduled for June 15.