From the Hotline

By Legal Department
Pennsylvania Newspaper Association

Q: Why aren’t cameras allowed in most courtrooms in Pennsylvania? 

A: Canon 3 of the Pennsylvania Code of Judicial Conduct provides that a judge should prohibit broadcasting, televising, recording or taking photographs in the courtroom and areas immediately adjacent thereto during sessions of court or recesses between sessions. There are some exceptions to this rule, however, and a judge may authorize:

a) The broadcasting, televising, recording, or photographing of ceremonial proceedings such as weddings and naturalization proceedings;

b) The photographic or electronic recording and reproduction of certain court proceedings for instructional purposes in educational institutions; and

c) The use of electronic broadcasting televising, recording and taking photographs in a non-jury civil proceeding, where authorized by the judge, except that any party or witness who objects shall not be photographed or have their testimony broadcast.

The rules expressly prohibit the recording of divorce, custody or support proceedings, criminal proceedings, or proceedings before Magisterial District Judges (except ceremonial proceedings).

You can find the links to these rules at:

Judicial Canon

Rules of Civil Procedure

Rules of Criminal Procedure

Rules for Magisterial District Judges

New rules do permit the recording by the Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) of certain en banc proceedings before the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court.
[CLICK HERE TO VIEW RULES]

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