Home > State/Circuit Guides > New Hampshire

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Detailed Guide: New Hampshire

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Allows Cameras? Yes (with notice)
Exceptions: Supreme Court proceedings require express permission.

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

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Rule 19 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of the State of New Hampshire permits coverage of the oral proceedings of the Supreme Court. To record, photograph, or broadcast the oral proceedings of the Supreme Court, any person must give the court prior notice and must obtain the consent of the court. A person covering the Supreme Court proceedings may not impair the order of the court. No more than one still photographer and one videographer may cover a proceeding, and the court will determine the exact location of cameras and audio equipment. People covering proceedings may use handheld tape recorders, but they must place the recorders in a specific location in the courtroom. Generally, cell phones should be turned off or muted.

Rule 204 of the Rules of the Superior Court of the State of New Hampshire permits any person to photograph, record, or broadcast Superior Court proceedings so long as that person provides advance notice. Rule 204 specifies that a person does not have to be a member of the established media to cover proceedings. Parties to court proceedings and interested parties may request that a court prohibits or limits coverage. In the event of such a request, the court will hold a hearing and the party seeking to prohibit or limit coverage must show: “(1) that the relief sought advances an overriding public interest that is likely to be prejudiced if the relief is not granted; (2) that the relief sought is no broader than necessary to protect that interest; and (3) that no reasonable less restrictive alternatives are available to protect the interest.” The presiding judge retains authority to determine the number of recording devices and their placement in the court; the presiding judge may also require pooling. Rule 204 also sets forth a number of technical default rules, including a rule that prohibits flash devices and a rule that prohibits the disruptive dismantling of equipment during a proceeding. The presiding judge may alter these default rules.

Rule 1.4 of the Rules of the Circuit Court of the State of New Hampshire—District Division permits any person to photograph, record, or broadcast District Court proceedings so long as that person provides advance notice. Rule 1.4 is substantially similar to Rule 204, the rule governing coverage of the Superior Court.

Electronic devices, like laptops and cell phones, are permitted in New Hampshire courtrooms; however, cell phones must be put on silent mode.

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Links: Authority
• New Hampshire Supreme Court Rule 19: Media Access to Court Proceedings
• New Hampshire Superior Court Rule 204: Photographing, Recording and Broadcasting
• New Hampshire Circuit Court of the State of New Hampshire: District Division Rule 1.4: Photographing, Recording and Broadcasting

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Links: Other
• New Hampshire Supreme Court Livestream
• New Hampshire Resources for the Media:
• New Hampshire Judicial Branch: Guidelines for Cameras and Audio Equipment

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Last edited: December 13, 2022