Local Rule 83.4: PHOTOGRAPHING, BROADCASTING AND TELEVISING AROUND COURTHOUSES

83.4 PHOTOGRAPHING, BROADCASTING AND TELEVISING AROUND COURTHOUSES

(a) Definitions. As used in this Rule:

1. Environs. "Environs" includes every part of the United States Courthouses in Kansas City, Jefferson City, and Springfield, including courtrooms, post offices, offices, driveways, parking spaces, steps, docks, and entrances to and exits from those buildings.

2. Judicial Proceedings. "Judicial proceedings" includes all judicial proceedings, whether civil or criminal, and whether pending, on appeal, or terminated.

(b) When Photographing & Broadcasting Are Not Permitted. Except as provided by this Rule, no person may, during the progress of or in connection with judicial proceedings, regardless of whether court is in session:

1. Take photographs in any District environs; or 2. Broadcast any radio or television, or make any audio or video tapes, in any District environs.

(c) When Photographing & Broadcasting Are Permitted. With leave of the officer in charge, a person may make still or motion pictures, and audio and video tapes, of a ceremony or interview, including administration of oaths to executive, legislative, and judicial officers, so long as the ceremony or interview is not connected with any judicial proceedings. Unless a district judge orders otherwise, if the United States Marshal determines, in his or her judgment, that there is no problem of security, a person may take photographs with handheld equipment in the back driveway parking areas in connection to a particular case.

(d) Non-Applicability of Rule. This Rule does not apply to legislative hearings, naturalization or other ceremonial proceedings, or to recordings made for future use in judicial proceedings by official court reporters or other persons authorized by a judge.