Rule 44 Photography and Video in the Courtroom

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this Rule, the taking of photographs in the courtroom during sessions of the court or recesses between proceedings and the broadcasting or televising of court proceedings are permitted only to the extent authorized by order of the Supreme Court. For the purposes of this rule, the use of the terms “photographs,” “broadcasting,” and “televising” includes the audio or video transmissions or recordings made by telephones, personal data assistants, laptop computers, and other wired or wireless data transmission and recording devices. This prohibition does not extend to areas immediately adjacent to the courtroom, but courts may by order regulate or restrict the use of those areas where the circumstances so warrant.

(b) The foregoing prohibition is not intended to prohibit local circuit courts from using security cameras to monitor their facilities. Additionally, photography and/or video in the following situations are explicitly permitted

(1) Where permitted pursuant to a court order under the Supreme Court’s Extended Media Coverage Policy;

(2) In any proceeding conducted remotely pursuant to Rules 45 and 241 and any other rules governing remote appearances;

(3) To live broadcast any proceeding that is conducted remotely, or at which remote attendance is permitted;

(4) If permitted by the judge, and on such conditions as ordered by the judge, for ceremonial events such as marriages, investitures, and graduations in problem solving courts;

(5) If permitted by the judge, for parties and counsel to make a copy of a court order or other paperwork received in court;

(6) If permitted by the judge, to make a broadcast available to interested persons, such as victims of crime or persons who have a statutory right to be present during court proceedings but who do not wish to attend in person.

(c) Nothing in this Rule permits the photographic recording, digital capturing, or other recording of a remote proceeding or a court broadcast of a proceeding except (1) a recording by the court or at the court’s direction or (2) pursuant to the terms of an order approving extended media coverage.