Home > State/Circuit Guides > California

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Detailed Guide: California

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Allows Cameras? Yes (with permission)
Exceptions: Los Angeles Superior Court, San Francisco Superior Court, and Orange County Superior Court

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Audio or Video Webcast? Yes
Media Guide Available? Yes
Allows Cell Phones to Record Video? No

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Media coverage of state court proceedings is governed by Rule 1.150 of the California Rules of Court. Media coverage is permitted by written order of the judge following a media request for coverage filed at least five court days before the proceeding will be covered. Any such requests must be made on the official form provided by the courts.

Coverage of jury selection, jurors, spectators, proceedings held in chambers, proceedings closed to the public or conferences between an attorney and a client, witness or aide, between attorneys or between counsel and the judge is prohibited. Only one television and one still camera is allowed in the courtroom at one time. The media are responsible for arranging pooling agreements.

Los Angeles Superior Court Local Rule 2.17, San Francisco Superior Court Rule 2.2, and Orange County Superior Court Rule 180 require express permission and provide specific requirements for requesting use of photography, video, or audio in each respective courthouse. Use of recording devices of any kind in the hallways and public areas is also prohibited absent express permission.

In addition, Los Angeles Superior Court rules prohibit photography of any kind inside the courthouse or courtrooms unless the photographer has permission and has filed the appropriate forms. This ban on photography applies to all devices that can capture images, including cell phones. Photographs taken without permission will be deleted from the device and the photographer will be sanctioned.

San Francisco Superior Court has a standing order that prohibits filming, photography, and electronic recording in the hallways and public areas of a certain floor of the courthouse. In general, the standing order in San Francisco states that media coverage equipment, including cell phones, may only be used in designated media areas in the courthouse. Violating California rules could result in termination of media coverage, a citation for contempt of court, or monetary or other sanctions.

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Links: Authority
• Rule 1.150: Photographing, Recording, and Broadcasting in Court
• Los Angeles Superior Court Local Rule 2.17: Photographing, Recording, and Broadcasting in Court
• Los Angeles Superior Court General Order Regarding Use of Cameras in the Courthouse
• San Francisco Superior Court Rule 2.2: Photographing, Recording, and Broadcasting in Court Facilities
• Orange County Superior Court Local Rules Chapter 4, Rule 180: Photographing, Recording, and Broadcasting in Court

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Links: Other
• Courts: Cameras in the Courtroom Webpage and Fact Sheet
• Supreme Court of California Selected Video and Audio Recordings
• California Courts Audiocast Library
• California Courts YouTube Channel
• Los Angeles Media-Related Rules & Orders
• San Francisco Superior Court Cameras in the Court Media Guidance

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Last edited: December 12, 2022