
Alabama

Allows Cameras? No
Does Not Allow Cameras? No
Partial Allowance of Cameras? Yes
Audio or Video Webcast? No
Media Guide Available? No
Trial and appellate courtroom coverage is permissible if the Supreme Court of Alabama has approved a plan for the courtroom in which coverage will occur. The plan must contain certain safeguards to assure that coverage will not detract from or degrade court proceedings, or otherwise interfere with a fair trial. If such a plan has been approved, a trial judge may, in the exercise of “sound discretion” permit coverage if: (1) in a criminal proceeding, all accused persons and the prosecutor give their written consent and (2) in a civil proceeding, all litigants and their attorneys give their written consent. Following approval of their coverage plans, appellate courts may authorize coverage if the parties and their attorneys give their written consents. In both trial and appellate contexts, the court must halt coverage during any time that a witness, party, juror, or attorney expressly objects. In an appellate setting, it must also halt coverage during any time that a judge expressly objects to coverage.
Authority
(1) Canon 3A(7), 3A(7A), and 3A(7B), Alabama Canons of Judicial Ethics, Ala. Code, Vol. 23A (Rules of Alabama Supreme Court)
Alaska

Allows Cameras? Yes
Does Not Allow Cameras? No
Partial Allowance of Cameras? No
Audio or Video Webcast? Yes
Media Guide Available? No
Jurors may not be photographed, filed or videotaped in the courtroom at any time. Victims of a sexual offense may not be photographed, filmed, videotaped or sketched without the consent of the court and the victim. A procedure is prescribed for suspension of an individual’s or an organization’s media coverage privileges for a period of up to one year for violation of the media coverage plan.
(1) Alaska Rules of Admininstration, Rule 50: Media Coverage of Court Proceedings
Other links
(1) Administrative Bulletin No. 45
Arizona

Allows Cameras? Yes
Does Not Allow Cameras? No
Partial Allowance of Cameras? No
Audio or Video Webcast? Yes
Media Guide Available? No
Arizona Supreme Court Rule 122 allows the use of recording devices in a courtroom, subject to specific requirements and limitations. A recording device is a tool used “to capture and store sound or images, or both, or from which a person can retrieve or broadcast sound or images.” An individual or organization who wishes to use a recording device during a proceeding must submit a written or electronic request to cover the proceeding. For a trial, an individual or organization must submit a request at least seven calendar days before the trial date. For proceedings other than a trial, an individual or organization must submit a request no less than 48 hours before the start of the proceeding. A judge on his or her own motion may deny a request for coverage, or may sustain a party’s objection to coverage, only after making specific, on-the-record findings that there is a likelihood of harm and that the harm outweighs the benefit of coverage to the public.
Only one television and one still camera is allowed, although the judge conducting the proceeding has discretion to approve a request for additional recording devices. Media are responsible for pooling arrangements.
Recording devices include smart phones. An individual or organization may use a personal audio recorder, which is “a device used to record audio only, and that is on, held by, or immediately next to, the person who is operating the device.”
Authority
(1) Rule 122, Rules of the Arizona Supreme Court, Ariz. Rev. Stat., Vol. 17A
(1) Arizona Supreme Court Video Webcast
Arkansas

Allows Cameras? No
Does Not Allow Cameras? No
Partial Allowance of Cameras? Yes
Audio or Video Webcast? Yes
Media Guide Available? No
A judge may authorize broadcasting, recording, or photographing in the courtroom and adjacent areas provided that “the participants will not be distracted, nor will the dignity of the proceedings be impaired.” An objection to the coverage by a party or attorney precludes media coverage of the proceedings and an objection by a witness precludes coverage of that witness. Coverage of juvenile matters in circuit court, all probate and domestic relations matters in circuit court, including adoption, guardianship, divorce, custody, support, and paternity, and all drug court proceedings is expressly prohibited. Similarly, coverage of jurors, minors without parental or guardian consent, sex crime victims, undercover police agents and informants is also prohibited.
Only one television and one still camera is allowed in the courtroom at one time and the media are responsible for arranging pooling agreements. If the court already has broadcasting equipment, it shall be used unless other arrangements are necessary.
Use of electronic devices without permission of the court is prohibited, including for e-mail, blogging, and tweeting .
Authority
(1) Arkansas Judiciary Administrative Order 6
Other links
(1) Supreme Court of Arkansas Video Webcast
California

Does Not Allow Cameras? No
Partial Allowance of Cameras? No
Audio or Video Webcast? Yes
Media Guide Available? Yes
(2) Los Angeles Superior Court Local Rule 2.17, pg. 33-34
(3) Los Angeles Superior Court General Order Prohibiting Use of Cameras in the Courthouse
(4) San Francisco Superior Court Standing Order
(5) Orange County Superior Court Local Rules Chapter 4, Rule 180
(2) Supreme Court of California Selected Video and Audio Recordings
(3) California Courts Audiocast Library
(4) California Courts YouTube Channel
(5) Los Angeles Media-Related Rules & Orders
Colorado

Allows Cameras? Yes
Does Not Allow Cameras? No
Partial Allowance of Cameras? No
Audio or Video Webcast? Yes
Media Guide Available? No
(1) Colorado Supreme Court, Chapter 38, Rule 2
Other Links
(2) Audio Webcast: Colorado Supreme Court Oral Arguments
(3) Colorado Courts YouTube Channel
Connecticut

Partial Allowance of Cameras? No
Audio or Video Webcast? No
Media Guide Available? Yes
Section 70-9 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure (governing media coverage in the Appellate and Supreme Courts) and Sections 1-10 and 1-11 of the Rules for the Superior Court (governing coverage in trial courts) permit the coverage of judicial proceedings under specific circumstances.
At the trial court level, Connecticut adopted new rules that went into effect in January 2012. Under the rules, a media organization, defined as “any person or entity that is regularly engaged in the gathering and dissemination of news,” must be approved by the Office of Chief Court Administrator. Once approved, the media may broadcast, televise, record, or photograph court proceedings subject to several general limitations. First, the media may not cover proceedings dealing with family relations matters, juvenile matters, sexual assault, or trade secrets. Second, the media may not cover proceedings held without the jury present in a jury trial, unless the trial court makes an exception. Third, the media may not cover proceedings that are closed to the public.
Fourth, the media may not cover a trial during recess, or cover conferences amongst the parties. Finally, the media may not cover jury selection.
In addition, Connecticut has special rules for covering trial court arraignments, civil proceedings, and criminal proceedings. For arraignments, the media must request permission for electronic coverage. The court will give the state and the defendant the opportunity to object to the coverage request, and then the court will decide whether or not to grant the request. If the request is granted, there are additional coverage limitations. For example, the media may not cover conferences amongst the parties, the defendant while entering and exiting lockup, or documents in a close-up fashion. In addition, only one camera and one audio recording device may be used, the media may not use artificial lighting, the camera operator must remain in one location throughout the duration of the arraignment, and the court will decide the camera placement.
For civil proceedings at the trial court level, coverage is allowed unless the court finds substantial reason to believe that coverage will compromise a party’s legal rights, safety, or privacy. The media may only use equipment that is not distracting, and no equipment may be moved and no film may be changed while the court is in session. The court has discretion to require pooling arrangements.
Finally, for criminal proceedings at the trial court level, any media representative who wants to cover criminal proceedings must submit a written notice of coverage three days prior to the proceedings. This requirement may be waived for good cause. The court may limit or preclude coverage if it finds substantial reason to believe that coverage will compromise a party’s legal rights, safety, or privacy. Under normal coverage circumstances, the media may only use one camera and one audio recording device, and neither can be distracting. Unless the judge makes an exception, the media may not use artificial lighting. The judge decides the location of the camera and recording equipment, and the equipment may not be moved during the proceeding. The court has discretion to require pooling arrangements.
Connecticut also sets forth rules concerning the use and possession of electronic devices in state courtrooms. Under Superior Court rules, individuals may bring cell phones and personal computers into courtrooms; however, individuals may not take pictures or broadcast sound or video with their cell phones and may only use personal computers for note taking. Under Appellate and Supreme Court rules, individuals may have a cell phone, PDA, personal computer, or other electronic device that can broadcast, record, or take pictures; however, individuals may not use those devices to take pictures, record, or broadcast. In addition, individuals may not use cell phones in the courtroom.
Authority
(2) Connecticut Implementation of Amended Practice Book § 70-9
(3) Connecticut Rules for the Superior Court §§ 1-10, 1-11, pg. 107-112
(4) Connecticut Rules Regarding the Electronic Coverage of Criminal Court Proceedings by the Media
(5) The Use and Possession of Electronic Devices in Superior Court Facilities
(6) Connecticut Supreme and Appellate Courts Guidelines for the Possession and Use of Electronic Devices
Other Links
(1) Connecticut Courts: Cameras
Delaware

Partial Allowance of Cameras? Yes
Audio or Video Webcast? Yes
Media Guide Available? No
Rule 53 of the Delaware Superior Court Criminal Rules, Rule 53 of the Delaware Family Court Criminal Rules, and Rule 53 of the Criminal Rules of Delaware Courts of Justices of the Peace forbid coverage. By order dated April 29, 1982, the Delaware Supreme Court issued guidelines for its one year appellate experiment. Under those guidelines, coverage is permissible so long as it does not impair or interrupt the orderly procedures of the Court. Consents of the parties are not required. This experiment was extended indefinitely by order of the Delaware Supreme Court, dated and effective May 2, 1983.
On April 5, 2004, the Delaware Supreme Court issued its Administrative Directive No. 155, which established a six-month trial court experiment, which was originally scheduled to end on October 15, 2004. In this experiment, media coverage was permitted in the Sussex Court of Chancery, and courtrooms in New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties. Broadcast of non-confidential, non-jury, civil proceedings was permitted.
Administrative Directive No. 155 was amended on October 25, 2004, and the experiment was extended until May 16, 2005. On November 29, 2005, Administrative Directive No. 155 was again amended, this time extending the experimental period indefinitely.
Personal electronic devices, like cell phones, are prohibited in many Delaware courts. For example, in Superior Court, all electronic devices are prohibited, including cell phones, PDAs, and notebooks. In Justice of the Peace locations, only authorized individuals may bring cell phones and other personal recording devices into the courtroom. In the Kent County, New Castle County, and Sussex County courthouses, all personal communications devices, like cell phones with cameras, are generally prohibited from the courtroom, and only authorized individuals may bring these devices into the courtroom.
(1) Delaware Superior Court Security
(2) Justice of the Peace Court Cell Phones and Communications Devices Policy
(3) Kent County Courthouse Cellular Phone Policy
(4) New Castle County Cellular Phone Policy
(5) Sussex County Cellular Phone Policy
(6) Media Access Policies
(7) Delaware Supreme Court Administrative Directive No. 155
(8) Superior Court of Delaware Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 53
(9) Delaware Family Court Civil Rules, Rule 53
(10) Delaware Justice of the Peace Court Criminal Rules, Rule 53
Other links
(1) Delaware Supreme Court Audio Wwebcast
District of Columbia

Allows Cameras? No
Does Not Allow Cameras? Yes
Partial Allowance of Cameras? No
Audio or Video Webcast? Yes
Media Guide Available? Yes
DC courts do not allow members of the media or individuals to photograph or record courts proceedings. Superior Court Rule of Civil Procedure 203(b) prohibits photographs, broadcasts, or tapes for public replay of any civil proceeding. Superior Court Rule of Criminal Procedure 53(b) prohibits photographs, broadcasts, and mechanical recording devices; however, there are two exceptions. First, the court may make an exception for the use of a mechanical recording device. Second, the official in charge of a particular office or room in the courthouse may give permission to take photographs; the person being photographed must also consent. Similarly, Family Court Rule 45(e) prohibits photographing and broadcasting in courtrooms, and allows photographing in other rooms in the Family Court with the permission of the person in charge of the room and the person being photographed.
Under Superior Court Administrative Order 11-17, people entering a Superior Court courtroom must turn off all electronic devices and store the devices in a location where they cannot be seen. Even though the general rule applies to members of the media, the order specifies that the presiding judicial officer may give members of the media permission to use electronic devices for “official business.” Even with special permission, the use of electronic devices is limited; members of the media may only use the device for court- or business-related matters, and members of the media may not use the device to photograph, record, or make transmissions of any type.Blogging may be allowed in DC Superior Court. According to the Journalist’s Handbook to the Courts in the District of Columbia, a blogger must request permission to live-blog from a courtroom in advance of the proceeding, and the decision is entirely subject to the judge’s discretion.
Authority
(1) Superior Court Rule of Civil Procedure 203(b)(2) Superior Court Rule of Criminal Procedure 53(b)
(3) Family Court Rule 45(e)
(4) Superior Court Administrative Order 11-17
Other Links
(1) Journalist’s Handbook to the Courts in the District of Columbia
(2) Audio Webcast: DC Court of Appeals
Florida
Does Not Allow Cameras? No
Partial Allowance of Cameras? No
Audio or Video Webcast? Yes
Media Guide Available? Yes
At least one television camera operated by one photographer and no more than two still cameras operated by one still photographer are allowed in trial and appellate courtrooms at one time. The media are responsible for arranging pooling agreements. The coverage equipment may not be distracting and members of the media have an affirmative duty to demonstrate to the judge, prior to proceedings, that the equipment is in compliance with the rule. Members of the media may not use artificial lighting; however, the court may modify or add to the courtroom’s light sources as long as the changes do not involve a public expense. The court decides the placement of the cameras and members of the media may not move about the courtroom while proceedings are underway. The media are prohibited from covering conferences amongst parties, like conferences between attorneys and their clients or attorneys and the judge.
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration Rule 2.451 requires the removal of all electronic devices from jurors before the beginning of jury deliberations. The use of electronic devices by all others in a courtroom is subject to the authority of the presiding judge.
Authority
(1) Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.450, pg. 108-111
(2) Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.451, pg. 111-113
(3) Florida v. Palm Beach Newspapers, 395 So. 2d 544 (1981)
Other Links
(1) Florida Bar: Cameras in the Courtroom(2) Video Webcast: Florida Supreme Court
Georgia

Does Not Allow Cameras? No
Partial Allowance of Cameras? No
Audio or Video Webcast? No
Media Guide Available? No
Probate Court Rule 10.10, Magistrate Court Rule 11, Juvenile Court Rules 26.1 and 26.2, and Municipal Court Rule 11 provide guidelines for extended media coverage in those judicial proceedings. If the court elects to grant approval for expanded media coverage of a proceeding, it must be “without partiality or preference to any person, news agency, or type of electronic or photographic coverage.” Those requesting coverage in these proceedings must file a “timely written request” on a form provided by the court with the judge involved in the specific proceeding prior to the hearing or trial. The judge, at his or her discretion, may allow only one television or still photographer in the courtroom at any one time, thereby requiring a pooling arrangement. Any additional lights or flashbulbs must be approved by the judge beforehand. Lastly, under the Juvenile Court Rules, pictures of the child in juvenile proceedings are expressly prohibited.
Superior Court Rule 22, in additional to the above requirements, prohibits photographing or televising members of the jury, unless “the jury happens to be in the background of the topics being photographed.”In the Court of Appeals, written requests for coverage must be submitted at least seven days in advance. Further, radio and television media are required to supply the Court with an audio or video tape, respectively, of all proceedings covered. Only one “pooled” television camera with one operator and one still photographer, with not more than two cameras, is allowed in the courtroom at any one time.
In the Supreme Court, coverage is allowed without prior approval from the Court and the Supreme Court retains exclusive authority to limit, restrict, prohibit and terminate coverage. No more than four still photographers and four television cameras will be permitted in the courtroom at any time. All television cameras are restricted to the alcove of the courtroom, while still photographers may sit anywhere in the courtroom designated for use by the public.
Probate Court Rule 10.3 specifically addresses the use of cell phones in probate courtrooms. Cell phones shall no be heard in the courtroom, and the judge has the authority to further restrict the use of cell phones in the courtroom.
Authority
(1) Georgia Supreme Court Rules 75-90
(2) Georgia Superior Court Rule 22, pg. 35-36
(3) Georgia Juvenile Court Rules 26.1 and 26.2, pg. 41-43
(4) Georgia Magistrate Court Rule 11, pg. 12-14
(5) Georgia Municipal Court Rule 11, pg. 10-12
(6) Georgia Probate Court Rules 10.3 and 10.10, pg. 30-33
Hawaii

Partial Allowance of Cameras? No
Audio or Video Webcast? Yes
Media Guide Available? No
Electronic media and still photography coverage of proceedings are allowed in both the appellate and trial courts. Consent of the judge prior to coverage of a trial proceeding is required, but prior consent of the judge is not required for coverage of appellate proceedings. The judge may rule on the request orally and on the record or by written order if requested by any party, but shall make written findings of fact and conclusions of law if coverage is denied.
A request for coverage will be granted unless good cause is found to prohibit it. Good cause for denying coverage is presumed to exist when the proceeding is for the purpose of determining the admissibility of evidence, when child witnesses or complaining witnesses in a criminal sexual offense case are testifying, when testimony regarding trade secrets is being given, when a witness would be put in substantial jeopardy of bodily harm, or when testimony of undercover law enforcement agents involved in other ongoing undercover investigations is being received.Coverage of proceedings which are closed to the public is prohibited. These proceedings include juvenile cases, child abuse and neglect cases, paternity and adoption cases, and grand jury proceedings. Coverage of jurors or prospective jurors is prohibited. Only one television camera and one still photographer, with not more than two still cameras are allowed in the courtroom at one time (although the judge may allow more at his/her discretion) and the media are responsible for arranging pooling agreements.
Any individual may request to record judicial proceedings. The recording device must be small and hand-held, have a built-in microphone, and be operated from the seat of the person recording. The request to the judge must be timely, and the judge decides whether or not to grant the request. Otherwise, the public is asked to turn off cell phones and electronic devices when they enter the courtroom.
Jurors are specifically instructed not to discuss the case being tried via “emailing, text messaging, tweeting, blogging or any other form of communication.”
Authority
Idaho

Only one still photographer and one camera operator is permitted in the courtroom, and any pooling arrangements must be made by the media. If the judge decides to limit or prohibit coverage, the decision cannot be appealed.
Authority
This page updated December 2015