Miscellaneous Order 2025-01

The purpose of Miscellaneous Order 2025-01, “Use of Cameras and Electronic Devised in Court Facilities”, is to protect all persons with business in the Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District; ensure the safe, secure and orderly conduct of proceedings; and facilitate the fair and efficient handling of court business.

This Miscellaneous Order is made pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 10.1004, which authorizes the Administrative Presiding Justice to establish court policies; California Rules of Court, rule 1.150, governing media coverage; California Rules of Court, rule 1.150(d), which specifically addresses electronic devices in courtrooms; and precedent including Cox v. Louisiana (1965) 379 U.S. 559.

This order applies only to floors and spaces occupied by the Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District. It does not restrict photography, filming, recording, or broadcasting in other areas of the Ronald Reagan State Building or outside the building's entrances and exits. Any such activities remain subject to the Ronald Reagan State Building's own policies and must not obstruct access to the building or Court facilities.

I. DEFINITIONS

  • For the purpose of this Miscellaneous Order, the term "Court" refers to the Court of Appeal of California, Second Appellate District.
  • "Media" or "media agency" and "media coverage" are defined pursuant to the California Rules of Court, rule 1.150.
  • "Court facility" shall mean any space where official court business is regularly conducted, including, but not limited to, courtrooms, attorney conference rooms, the Clerk's Office, administrative spaces, and any other areas under the Court's control.
  • "Non-public areas" shall mean areas of the Court facility that are not generally accessible to the public, including judges' chambers, secure hallways, administrative offices, and staff work areas.

II. RESTRICTIONS ON PHOTOGRAPHY, RECORDING AND BROADCASTING

  • Courtrooms
    • Photography, recording, or broadcasting within courtrooms is governed by California Rules of Court, rule 1.150. Media requests for such coverage must be submitted at least five court days before the proceeding, unless good cause is shown.
    • Cell phones and other electronic devices, including "smart" watches (except for assistive listening devices and other assistive technology required for disability accommodation), are prohibited in the courtroom, with the following exceptions
      • Court staff, judicial officers, and authorized Court employees may use electronic devices for official Court business;
      • No laptops or tablets are permitted in the courtroom without prior written approval from the court, except those used by counsel and second chair counsel or self-represented litigants solely to aid in presenting oral arguments. These devices cannot be used to display demonstrative evidence or for any other purpose;
    • Individuals who require electronic devices for medical purposes or disability accommodations may use such devices as necessary.
  • Clerk's Office and Filing Window
    • To protect the confidentiality of court documents and privacy of court users conducting business, photography, recording, or broadcasting in or around the Clerk's Office filing window is prohibited without prior authorization.
  • Non-Public Areas
    • Photography, recording, or broadcasting in non-public areas is prohibited without prior written authorization from the Administrative Presiding Justice or designee, except for official court purposes or pre-approved media access.

III. EXCEPTIONS AND AUTHORIZATIONS

  • The following are exempt from the restrictions in Section II:
    • Authorized Court employees using camera-enabled or video-enabled devices for official Court business;
    • Officers of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies wearing body cameras while conducting official business (record function shall not be activated unless engaged in an active law enforcement effort);
    • Portable scanners, cameras, or copiers used solely for imaging documents;
    • Electronic devices used for medical purposes or disability accommodations.
  • Requests for exceptions to these restrictions must be submitted in writing to the Administrative Presiding Justice or designee, except as otherwise provided in this Order. Requests will be evaluated based on:
    • The legitimate purpose of the request;
    • Potential disruption to court operations;
    • Privacy and security considerations;
    • Availability of alternative means of access or coverage.
  • Decisions on requests for exceptions will be made promptly and in writing.
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