W.R.Cr.P. 53

The taking of photographs in the courtroom during the progress of judicial

proceedings, or radio or television broadcasting of judicial proceedings from the

courtroom, may be permitted at the discretion of the court. Permission may be

granted if there is substantial compliance with the following requirements and

conditions:

(1) The media shall apply for approval of media coverage to the judge

presiding over the proceedings to be covered. This application must be made

at least 24 hours prior to the proceedings unless good cause is shown for a

later application. Only the equipment approved by the presiding judge in

advance of the court proceedings may be used during the proceedings;

(2) In a trial of major importance, the presiding judge may appoint a

media coordinator and may require that photographic, television or radio

broadcast coverage of the trial be pooled;

(3) No photographic, radio or television broadcast equipment shall be

used which produces any distracting sound or light. Audio pickup should be

made through any existing audio system in the court facility if practical. If

no suitable audio system exists in the court facility, microphones and related

wiring shall be as unobtrusive as possible. Artificial lighting devices shall

not be used;

(4) There shall be no movement of equipment during court proceedings;

(5) No person may enter the courtroom for the purpose of taking photographs or radio or television broadcast after court is already in session;

(6) There shall be no audio broadcast of conferences between attorney and

client or between counsel, or between counsel and the presiding judge;

(7) There shall be no close-up photography or visual recording of members

of the jury;

(8) The privilege to photograph, televise or record court proceedings may

be exercised only by persons or organizations which are part of the

accredited news media. Film, videotape, photographic and audio reproduc-

tion shall not be used for unrelated advertising purposes; and

(9) The presiding judge may for cause prohibit the photographing, radio or

television broadcast of a participant in a court proceeding on the judge’s own

motion or on the request of a participant in a court proceeding. In cases

involving the victims of crimes, confidential informants, undercover agents

and in evidentiary suppression hearings, a presumption of validity attends

such requests. The trial judge shall exercise broad discretion in deciding

whether there is cause for prohibition. This list of requests which enjoy the

presumption of validity is not exclusive; the court may, in its discretion, find

cause for prohibition in comparable situations.