C43 1997-03: LAO Media Coverage
The Court does hereby issue the following Administrative Order with regard to media coverage of cases tried before this Court pursuant to Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 1989-1.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, that there be no film or electronic media coverage of the jury selection process. No cameras of any kind are to be used inside the courtroom during the jury selection process.
IT IS ALSO ORDERED, that no television cameras or related equipment may be set up inside the courtroom without the prior approval of the Court. Also, the Court will only allow one television camera inside the courtroom and this camera must be selected by joint agreement of all media representatives present at the time. This camera will only be allowed on the condition that satisfactory pooling arrangements have been made to assure equal coverage opportunities. The equipment must be set up before any court session begins, and can only e removed when court is not in session.
Pooling arrangements must be reached by the media representatives themselves. The Court will not mediate any disputes over pooling arrangements. In the event no such agreement is reached, then no film or electronic media coverage will be permitted.
IT IS ALSO ORDERED, that not more than two still photographers, utilizing more than two still cameras each, with not more than two lenses for each camera and related necessary equipment, shall be permitted in the courtroom. Any exchanges of the two designed still photographers with related equipment can only be conducted when court is not in session.
In all other respects, Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 1989-1 shall control. A copy of said order is available upon request.
This Court reserves the right to modify this order or issue any further orders as necessary to control the proceedings, prevent distractions and thereby assure the fair administration of justice in any given case.