Cameras & Courtrooms

Each state dictates the use of visual journalism in the courtroom based on the state law. This is where visual journalists must be sure and review each state, county, or city laws carefully before covering a court case for an assignment. There are many minute differences that can lead to litigation later down the road for the visual journalist. This essay covers just three states in comparison to their policies. Some policies are the same, however certain differences can look small at first, but be crucial in the end.

First, let’s look at each state’s requirements as it pertains to cameras in the court room in a simple rundown listing.

California: cameras are allowed, audio or video webcast allowed, media guides are available

These coverages are allowed with advance permission from the for personal use only. For the media you must have a written verification and request filed within five court days prior to the hearing. When you have jury selection, jurors, spectators, proceedings in chambers, proceedings closed to the public or conferences, witness or aide, attorney and client, these situations are all closed and prohibited from filming for media. One video camera and one still camera is allowed and it is media’s responsibility to work out pool of data arrangements.

Los Angeles and San Francisco are the only two areas in California that prohibit media access unless in a designated media area for the matter of covering cases.

Florida: cameras are allowed, audio or video webcast allowed, media guides are available

Video and still photography are allowed in both appellate and trial courts in Florida. Each judge is allowed his discretion however, in order to keep distractions and maintain decorum as needed to keep the trial fair for both parties. Exclusion is only allowed for the media when the proceedings “qualitative difference” between electronic and other forms of coverage are permissible. Pooling agreements between media again are the media’s responsibility since only one TV camera and two still cameras are allowed for the media at one time in a hearing. There is a designated location that the court rules on for media and no artificial lighting is allowed. Conferences in closed chambers are prohibited to be covered.

Pennsylvania: only partial allowance of cameras in court are allowed all other ways are not

This state is pretty much locked down. Only with an express interest and request to the court offices may the judge decide on media coverage, but other than that nothing is allowed to be filmed in Pennsylvania. There are not even transmissions allowed via phone or radio of the proceedings. The supreme court in Pennsylvania allowed Pennsylvania Cable Network to record and broadcast its proceedings after their approval. This is allowing media in, but very rarely and very restrictive compared to the other two states above. All personal recordings are heavily restricted and vary from court to court.

In review, as a broadcast journalist it would be easier statewide to cover cases in Florida. Yes, there are restrictions within placement of the court room but there are allowances with little restrictions even more so than California with exempt areas that are news heavy like LA and San Francisco being excluded except to designated areas. The Florida court system allows you in even if it is limited to a number of 3 cameras and 2 journalist, one video and two still cameras. I find it interesting how these three states vary. California and Florida seem pretty open, and requests for media coverage to be planned is not unreasonable. This helps to maintain order and decorum for the case. However, Pennsylvania shockingly to me is very closed and pretty much on lock down when it comes to cases.

Penn State World Campus assignment COMM403 Citations

https://www.sfsuperiorcourt.org/general-info/news-media/cameras-in-the-court#:~:text=Except%20as%20provided%20in%20California,Officer%20presiding%20over%20the%20proceeding.

https://www.flmd.uscourts.gov/cameras-courtrooms#:~:text=Electronic%20media%20coverage%20of%20criminal,has%20been%20prohibited%20since%201946.&text=%22Except%20as%20otherwise%20provided%20by,judicial%20proceedings%20from%20the%20courtroom.%22

https://www.pacourts.us/assets/opinions/Supreme/out/Attachment%20-%2010417225379631189.pdf?cb=1#:~:text=It%20is%20unlawful%20and%20a%20criminal%20offense%20to%20use%20or,approval%20of%20the%20court%20or