Cite as: 20 CNCA app. II, r. 11

The following rules governing the taking of photographs, the broadcasting and televising of judicial proceedings in the Courthouse are hereby promulgated:

Except as expressly permitted by the individual Judge the use of cameras, television and other broadcasting equipment is prohibited:

1. inside a courtroom;

2. in the immediate vicinity of a courtroom, including the hallways.

The use of cameras, television and broadcasting equipment is not prohibited in other areas of the Courthouse, provided, that media representatives exercise diligence to insure that such equipment, and the use thereof, does not interfere with the session of any proceeding being covered or with any proceeding in a courtroom adjacent to the proceeding being covered.

Notwithstanding the above and foregoing rules, the Presiding Judge or an individual Judge, may promulgate special rules governing the use of cameras, television and broadcasting equipment to remain in force and effect for any specific proceeding or event.

The purpose of this directive is to insure that Courtroom proceedings be conducted at all time with dignity and in a manner calculated to avoid the disruption of order and decorum which the judicial process demands.

It should be emphasized that the representatives of the news media are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a professional manner consistent with the spirit and intent of this directive. In order to insure such conduct, in the event conduct of the news media is brought to the attention of any Judge which is violative of the foregoing rules, the offending person shall be immediately notified to cease and desist such activity. If the offending party refuses to comply with such order, then the Judge may immediately command official personnel to take affirmative action causing cessation of such activity, including the seizure of the equipment of such person. Any offender may be dealt with for contempt of court.

This directive does not tend to prohibit any Judge from giving photographic or broadcasting interviews with any television or radio station or to be photographed in any manner in chambers, and any Judge may permit broadcasting, televising, recording or photographing of investigative, ceremonial proceedings or any moot court trial use for education or scientific purpose.

Historical Data

SC–AD–13–02, adopted September 3, 2013.