Judicial Conference OKs Limited Experiment with Cameras in District Courts
In what was described as an “overwhelming” vote, the Judicial Conference of the United States announced today that it has agreed to allow cameras in civil matters in the federal district courts on a limited experimental basis.
Any party will be able to veto photography, and taking pictures of jurors and witnesses will not be permitted, the Blog of Legal Times reported.
Chief Judge David Sentelle of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit announced the plan but said it hasn’t yet been decided when the experiment will begin or which courts will participate. Sentelle chairs conference executive committee.
A press release from the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts provides additional details about the pilot program, which is expected to last up to three years.
According to the release, courts in the pilot program will record their own proceedings and recordings by other entities won’t be allowed.
