I’m a member of the public, can I record in the courthouse?

Rules for public areas of courthouses

Courthouses are public buildings, but there are some restrictions about what people can do in them. Section 11A of the Courts Security Act 1999 states members of the public can enter and remain in areas of the courthouse open to the public if they comply with the directions and requirements of:

• security officers
• the Chief Executive of the Ministry of Justice for all public areas of the courthouse
• the presiding judicial officer for the courtroom or hearing room.

No photography or recording allowed in public areas

You can have a phone in the courthouse. However, to protect everyone’s privacy and keep the courthouse safe and respectful, the Chief Executive has directed you must not take photos, record or stream audio or video-record while in the public areas of the courthouse without permission from the Court Manager. This is reinforced by signs in the courthouse. If you are in a courtroom, you can only take photos, record or stream audio or video record with permission from the presiding judicial officer.

You cannot record or take photos in public areas, including:

• security screening areas
• hallways
•  waiting areas
• entranceways
• the public counter
• any outdoor areas which are part of or connected to the courthouse.

What counts as a recording

Recording includes using any device to capture audio, images or video. This includes:

 

• cameras (digital or film)
•  mobile phones (when used to record or take photos)
•  tablets or laptops with recording or streaming functions
• voice recorders
• smart glasses or wearables with recording features
•  live streaming on social media or video apps.