Cameras in Oregon Courts

Note: Rule 3.180 applies to trial courts. Oregon appellate courts are governed byRule 8.35 of the Oregon Rules Of
Appellate Procedure.

Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rule 3.180

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Oregon ACCESS: Courts

A judge can deny your request to televise, photograph or record a proceeding if there is a "reasonable likelihood" that coverage would:

• Interfere with a defendant's right to a fair trial.
• Affect the presentation of evidence.
• Affect the outcome of the trial.
• Detract from the decorum of the court.
• Interfere with courtroom efficiency.

Judges can reverse their decisions to allow tape recorders, television cameras video cameras and still cameras in the courtroom if they decide that:

• You broke the court's rules for covering the trial.
• The coverage will affect the outcome of the case.
• The coverage will interfere with the rights of those taking part in the trial.

Even if a judge allows photographs and broadcast coverage of a trial, you need additional permission from the judge to photograph or record certain proceedings. They are:

• Court recesses.
• Proceedings in the judge's chambers.
• Bench conferences between attorneys and the judge.
• Conferences between attorneys and their clients.
• Courtroom proceedings when the jury is out of the room.

Some courtroom proceedings and participants cannot be photographed or recorded under any circumstances. They are:

• Proceedings dealing with sensitive family issues.
  • Adoption proceedings.
  • Child custody and visitation proceedings.
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  • Child support proceedings.
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  • Divorce proceedings.
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  • Juvenile proceedings.
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  • Paternity proceedings.
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  • Restraining orders in family abuse cases.

• Jurors.
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  • Voir dire, questioning of potential jurors.
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  • Any juror anywhere in the courthouse.

• Mental commitment proceedings.
• Sex crime trials, at the victim's request.
• Proceedings that involve trade secrets.
• Any other proceeding in which publicity would impair a fair trial.

Witnesses in trials can refuse to be televised, photographed or recorded. But they must tell the court before taking the stand. Judges can deny photographs or broadcasts of testimony if:

• The coverage would affect the right to a fair trial, the presentation of evidence or the outcome of the trial.
• The privacy and safety of the witness outweighs the interests in media coverage.

Oregon court rules also regulate cameras and recorders, as well as the people who operate them. For example:

• Cameras and tape recorders must be inaudible.
• Television and video cameras must be stationary and unobtrusive.
• Artificial lighting is not allowed.
• Only one video camera and operator are allowed in a proceeding.
• Pool media coverage must be arranged by the media, not the court.
• Finally, anyone photographing, televising or recording a courthouse event under the supervision of a judge must provide copies when requested. Courts do not have to pay for these copies. All other requesters must pay for the "actual copying expense."