Cameras and Recorders in Courts
Audio/Visual Coverage Allowed Only
Upon Order of Judge in Advance of Proceeding
The
information that follows is a general statement of the court rules concerning
the use of audio/visual equipment in the courts. A complete text of the rules can be found in the Iowa Court
Rules, Chapter 25, rules for expanded media coverage, available online at www.legis.state.ia.us/Rules2.html.
Pursuant to
court rules for expanded media coverage, broadcasting, televising, recording,
and photographing in a courtroom and adjacent areas are prohibited unless
expressly permitted by the judge in advance of a proceeding. The judge shall allow expanded media
coverage unless the judge concludes that the coverage would materially
interfere with the rights of the parties to a fair trial. If coverage is permitted, the manner of
coverage and the equipment used is limited by court rule.
Coverage Prohibited
Expanded
media coverage of any proceeding required by law to be private is strictly
prohibited. In addition, expanded media
coverage of the following cases is prohibited unless consent on the record is
obtained from all parties:
- Juvenile
- Dissolution
- Adoption
- Child custody
- Trade secrets
Also, the
judge may refuse to allow expanded media coverage of a witness for good
cause. In a prosecution for charges
involving alleged sexual abuse, there shall be no coverage of the testimony of
a victim/witness unless such witness consents.
In a prosecution of a forcible felony, an objection to coverage by a
victim/witness, police informant, under cover agent, and relocated witness,
shall enjoy a rebuttable presumption of validity.
There shall
be absolutely no coverage of:
- Jury selection and jurors
- Attorney/client conferences
- Discussions among co-counsels
- Discussions between the court
and counsel
- Discussions between judges in
appellate proceedings
How to Request Permission for Expanded
Media Coverage
Requests
for permission to use cameras or recording equipment in court proceedings must
be submitted to the appropriate media coordinator at least 14 days in advance
of the time the proceeding is scheduled to occur. Or if the proceeding is not scheduled at least 14 days in
advance, the request must be made as soon as practicable.
The request
shall proceed as follows:
- Media representative submits
request to media
coordinator (see list)
- Media coordinator files written
notice with clerk of court and sends notice to all counsel of record,
parties appearing without counsel, district court administrator, and
presiding judge
- A party to, or witness in, the
proceeding may object
- If there are objections, the
judge shall rule on the written objections or hold a hearing
Equipment and Decorum
Court rules
limit the amount and type of equipment allowed in the courtroom, the movement
of media personnel using the equipment, and decorum.
Type and
amount of equipment:
- All equipment must be
unobtrusive and shall not produce distracting sounds
- Not more than two still
photographers, each using not more than two cameras
- Not more than two television
cameras and only one camera person per camera
- Not more than one audio system
- No flashbulbs or artificial
light sources
- Where possible, related
equipment shall be located outside the courtroom
- Where possible and if suitable,
existing courtroom audio equipment shall be used
- Pooling of equipment is
required when necessary to accommodate media
- Pooling arrangements are the
responsibility of the media coordinator
Equipment
setup and removal:
- All equipment must be in place
at least fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled start of the proceeding
- Equipment must be operated from
a fixed position only
- Equipment shall be removed only
when the court is not in session
Decorum:
- Media personnel shall be
properly attired and shall maintain proper decorum at all times while
covering the proceeding
- Media personnel shall not move
about the courtroom and shall not move in a way that distracts from the
proceeding
- Always turn off cell phones and
pagers when in court
Tips for Media
- Read the rules
- Make sure your EMC request is
timely; do not wait until the last minute
- If possible, work with the
appropriate court staff, and in some instances, the presiding judge, in
advance of the day of the hearing or trial to discuss equipment placement,
ground rules and decorum
- Check the courtroom well in
advance of the trial or hearing for electrical outlets, lighting, need for
extension courts and other equipment
- On the day of the trial or
hearing, arrive at the courtroom early and set up your equipment well in
advance of the proceedings
