Rule 3.181 - MEDIA COVERAGE IN THE COURTROOM and NON-COURTROOM AREAS(1) Authorization All requests for media coverage in the courtroom and non-courtroom areas as well as requests for information shall be directed to:
Office of the Trial Court Administrator
Douglas County Circuit Court
Justice Building, Room 201
1036 SE Douglas Ave.
Roseburg, OR 97470
(541) 957-2409
(2) Procedures (a) Media representatives requesting coverage shall be responsible for delivering a copy of the "Request to Cover Courtroom Proceedings" to all attorneys or parties prior to the scheduled event. The request and an affidavit of notice shall be submitted to the Office of the Trial Court Administrator prior to the court event. Any response or objection to the request must be presented to the court prior to the scheduled event. The request should allow the court as much advance notice as possible. In the event the request is submitted without sufficient time for the judge to review prior to the scheduled event, the request shall be considered denied. The request should be in writing on a form provided by the court. The form is found on pages 49-50 in the "Appendix of Forms".(b) The Trial Court Administrator or designee shall report the request to the assigned judge. The judge will approve or deny the request in accordance with UTCR 3.180. The Trial Court Administrator or designee will report the judge's decision to the media. If approved, the Trial Court Administrator or designee will also notify court security of plans for media coverage.(c) The following procedures are set forth to ensure coverage will not unduly detract from the solemnity, decorum or dignity of the court or place unreasonable demands on court operation resources.(d) Media representatives are encouraged to work out agreements in advance for sharing photographs, audio or TV tapes of specific trials or hearings.(3) Photographic Coverage Photographers are to conduct themselves according to UTCR 3.180 and cannot be located inside the bar.
(4) Audio Coverage Reporters making audio recordings shall conduct themselves according to UTCR 3.180. All audio coverage shall be done from a seat in the gallery. No equipment or microphones may be placed in or around the courtroom. All recording equipment must be operated and maintained at the reporters' seat in the gallery.
(5) Television Coverage Reporters must set up or remove TV equipment from the courtroom when court is not in session. The camera cannot be located inside the bar or be moved while court is in session.
(6) Coverage of Non-Courtroom Areas The public or media wanting to film, photograph or record including use of cell phones or other electronic devices in non-courtroom areas such as court operations offices, judges' chambers, jury rooms, non-public/public corridors and offices must obtain prior approval from the Presiding Judge, Trial Court Administrator or designee.
Douglas Supp. L. R. 3.181
Amended effective 2/1/2024.