Rule 53 Regulation of conduct in the courtroom

Cameras and radio broadcasts are generally not allowed in the courtroom while a court case is happening. Judges must follow guidelines set by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, and outside of those guidelines, photography and radio broadcasting during proceedings are banned.

This means if you're involved in a criminal case, you shouldn't expect news crews or reporters to take pictures or broadcast the hearing live on the radio. The court wants to keep the focus on the trial itself, without distractions from cameras or media equipment. Any exceptions to this rule have to come from official guidelines approved by the state's highest court, not from a judge's personal decision on the spot.