Forms for the Media

• Media Request to Photograph, Record, or Broadcast:
  • State Form MC-500 
• Order on Media Request to Permit Coverage:
  • State Form MC-510 

Cameras in the Courthouse Policy

The policies governing the use of cameras and other recording devices inside Santa Clara County courthouses are contained in the California Rules of Court (Rule 1.150) , and in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara General Court and Administration Rules of Court (Rule 2).

Rule 1.150 essentially states that courtroom proceedings shall not be photographed, recorded or broadcast, except in cases where a judge specifically orders that such coverage be allowed. Rule 1.150 goes on to state that requests for such coverage must be submitted on a form approved by the Judicial Council (State Form MC-500 ), and must be accompanied by an order (State Form MC-510 ) to be signed by the judge, either granting or denying the request.

Rule 3 of the local General Court and Administration Rules of Court sets forth this court’s requirements regarding media coverage inside the courthouse. In addition to restating the applicability of State Rule of Court 1.150 with regard to courtroom proceedings, State Rule of Court 2 also states that media organizations must obtain written permission (using State Forms MC-500  and MC-510 ) from the Presiding Judge or from the Supervising Judge of a courthouse to photograph, record or broadcast in areas other than a specific courtroom (halls, lobbies, stairwells, etc.).

In January, 2004 the Court began accepting faxed camera requests (previously these requests were required to be submitted in person at the courthouse). Media organizations wishing to record or broadcast court proceedings may submit the required State forms (MC-500  and MC-510 ) via fax to the Public Information Office at 408-882-2779 . The Public Information Officer then faxes the paperwork to the appropriate courthouse where it is signed, file stamped and returned via fax to the Public Information Office. The signed order is then faxed back to the requestor.

Although this system works well it is somewhat time-consuming, and there have been numerous occasions when camera requests could not be processed because of late submittal, so media organizations are encouraged to submit requests as early as possible to avoid this.

For policies, procedures, and laws related to the Court and the media, see our News & Media home page.