STATE OF MICHIGAN
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER 2000J-1
31st JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
72nd DISTRICT COURT
ST. CLAIR COUNTY PROBATE COURT
St. Clair County Courts Media Coverage Policy
______________________________________________________
Whereas The Michigan Code of Judicial Conduct (Canon 3) requires judges to
perform their duties impartially and diligently and advise that in doing so they
should prohibit broadcasting, televising, recording, or taking of photographs in
or out of the courtroom during sessions of court or recesses between sessions except
as authorized by the Supreme Court.
Whereas The Michigan Supreme Court has promulgated an Administrative Policy
regarding Film and Electronic Media Coverage of Court Proceedings, (AO 1989-1)
Therefore
IT IS ORDERED
Section 1. Rules Governing Procedures:
A. Film or electronic media coverage may be permitted in court proceedings only
upon written request per Supreme Court Administrative Order 1989-1.
B. Requests by representatives of the media for such coverage shall be made in writing
on
the SCAO approved form, Request and Notice for Film and Electronic Media
Coverage of Court Proceedings, to the Court Administrator's office not less than
three (3) business days in advance of the time the proceeding is scheduled to begin.
C. The Court Administrator shall time stamp and present the original to the assigned
judge for review. The Court Administrator shall notify the attorneys of record or
parties, if un-represented, that a request for media coverage has been received.
D. The judge has sole discretion to exclude, terminate, suspend or limit film or
electronic media coverage. He/she may do so at any time upon a finding, made and
articulated on the record in the exercise of discretion, that fair administration
of justice requires such action, or that rules established under this order or additional
rules imposed by the judge have been violated. The judge has sole discretion to
exclude coverage of certain witnesses.
E. Film or electronic media coverage of the jurors or the jury selection process
shall not be permitted.
F. Film or electronic media coverage of juvenile witnesses (other than the defendant)
shall not be permitted. Juvenile witnesses are those under 18 years old.
G. A judge's decision to terminate, suspend, limit, or exclude film or electronic
media coverage is not subject to appeal, by right or by leave.
H. Any objection to a judge's decision to permit media coverage must be made on
the record.
I. Once the attorneys/parties have been notified, the original of form MC-27 shall
be signed and dated by the Court Administrator and submitted to the appropriate
Court Clerk's Office for the case file.
Section 2. Rules Governing Equipment and Behavior of the Media:
A. In all courtrooms, only one (1) videotape or television camera and/or one (1)
still camera shall be permitted unless the assigned judge grants specific approval.
Arranging for the pooling of resources is the responsibility of the media members
requesting access. The first request submitted shall have priority if pooling arrangements
cannot be arranged.
B. No media personnel shall be permitted inside the litigation arena. All equipment
must be positioned in the rear of the courtroom prior to the beginning of the proceeding.
No lighting or flash devices will be permitted.
C. Wireless microphones in the litigation area shall not be permitted.
D. The Court shall enforce all other rules outlined in the Supreme Court Administrative
Order 1989-1.
E. Film or Electronic Media Equipment is not otherwise permitted in Courtrooms,
court offices or public areas of the St. Clair County Courthouse without specific
order of the Court.
Hon. Peter E. Deegan
Chief Circuit Judge
Hon. John R. Monaghan
Chief Probate Judge
Hon. David C. Nicholson
Chief District Judge
