Travis Cnty. L. R. Proc. & Decorum 5.2

As amended through August 27, 2024

Rule 5.2 - Media Coverage Permitted

5.2.1Investiture or Ceremonial Proceedings

If media coverage is of investiture or ceremonial proceedings, permission for, and the manner of such coverage, are determined solely by the Court, with or without guidance from these Rules. If media coverage is desired for other than investiture or ceremonial proceedings, the provisions of these Rules shall govern.

5.2.2Written Order Required.

Media coverage is permitted only on written order of the Court. A person wishing to broadcast, televise, record or photograph a court proceeding must file with the District Clerk a request to cover the proceeding. The request must state:

(A) the case style and number;

(B) the date and time when the proceeding is to begin;

(C) the name of the requesting person or organization;

(D) the type of coverage requested (for example, televising, recording or photographing); and

(E) the type and extent of equipment to be used.

The request shall be filed with the District Clerk, with a copy delivered to the Court, Court Administrator, all counsel of record and all parties not represented by attorneys. Such request shall be made in time to afford the attorneys and parties sufficient time to confer, to contact their witnesses and to be fully heard by the Court on the questions of whether media coverage should be allowed and, if so, what conditions, if any, should be imposed on such coverage. Whether or not consent of the parties or witnesses is obtained, the Court may in its discretion deny, limit or terminate media coverage. In exercising such discretion the Court shall consider any relevant factors.

5.2.3Consent Forms.

If media coverage is sought with consent, consent forms adopted by the Court shall be used to evidence the consent of the parties and witnesses. Original signed consent forms of the parties shall be attached to and filed with the request for order. Consent forms of the witnesses shall be obtained in the manner directed by the Court. No witness or party shall give consent to media coverage in exchange for payment or other consideration, of any kind or character, either directly or indirectly. No media agency shall pay or offer to pay any consideration in exchange for such consent.

5.2.4Coverage without Consent.

If media coverage is sought without consent, the decision to allow such coverage is discretionary and will be made by the Court on a case-by-case basis. Objections to media coverage should not be conclusory but should state the specific and demonstrable injury alleged to result from media coverage. If the Court denies coverage, it shall set forth in its order the findings upon which such denial is based. In determining an application for coverage, the Court shall consider all relevant factors, including but not limited to:

a) the type of case involved;

b) whether the coverage would cause harm to any participants;

c) whether the coverage would interfere with the fair administration of justice, advancement of a fair trial, or the rights of the parties;

d) whether the coverage would interfere with any law enforcement activity;

e) the objections of any of the parties, prospective witnesses, victims, or other participants in the proceeding for which coverage is sought;

f) the physical structure of the courtroom and the likelihood that any equipment required to conduct coverage of proceedings can be installed and operated without disturbance to those proceedings or any other proceedings in the Courthouse;

g) the extent to which the coverage would be barred by law in the judicial proceeding of which coverage is sought; and

h) the fact that any party, prospective witness, victim, or other participant in the proceeding is a child, to which fact the Court shall give great weight.

Travis Cnty. L. R. Proc. & Decorum 5.2

Amended 10/15/2022.