Can I use photographic and or video recording devices in the courthouse and other court facilities outside of the courtrooms?

Arizona Supreme Court Rules 122 and 122.1 allow for the use of portable electronic devices in a courthouse and permit the use of recording devises in a courtroom in some circumstances. Rule 122.1(c)(3) authorizes Scottsdale City Court to adopt further reasonable limits of photography and audio or video recording in a courthouse that are not inconsistent with this rule or with Rule 122.

  • Rule 122 prohibits the use of a recording device in a courtroom without the prior and express approval of the judge assigned to the courtroom.
  • Rule 122.1 specifies the permitted use of portable electronic devises in a courthouse, to include areas of the courthouse outside the courtroom.
  • NO PERSON SHALL USE A RECORDING DEVICE IN A COURTROOM WITHOUT THE PRIOR EXPRESS PERMISSION OF THE JUDGE ASSIGNED TO THAT COURTROOM.
  • NO PERSON MAY PHOTOGRAPH, RECORD (VIDEO OR AUDIO), LIVESTREAM, OR BROADCAST IMAGES, VIDEO, OR AUDIO OF ANY INDIVIDUAL IN THE COURTHOUSE WITHOUT THAT INDIVIDUAL’S PRIOR EXPRESS CONSENT.
  • Activities not prohibited by this order are subject to the authority of judges, or court administrators to limit or terminate activity disruptive to court operations or that compromise courthouse security.
  • Law enforcement use of body worn cameras during the regular course of law enforcement response is permitted within the courthouse including courtrooms.
  • Persons using recording devices or portable electronic devices in violation of this Court Order may be subject to contempt charges or criminal trespass.

See Arizona Supreme Court's website on Cameras in Courtlinks to external site, to find links to Rule 122.1 and Rule 122 as well as the Arizona Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 2019-142.