Standard 8-5.6. Court Plans for Accommodating Public Interest in a Criminal Matter

• Library: ABA Standards for Criminal Justice--Fair Trial and Public Discourse (ABA) (2019 Ed.)

Standard 8-5.6. Court Plans for Accommodating Public Interest in a Criminal Matter

(a) Standing rules for the jurisdiction. To the extent practicable, jurisdictions should adopt standing orders or rules of court for accommodating public interest in any particular criminal matter. These standing orders should include general provisions concerning:

(i) the procedures to be followed for individuals and entities to request official designation as representative sources of coverage, including but not limited to recording or broadcasting by electronic or other media of judicial proceedings in the criminal matter;
(ii) the extent to which such coverage, including recording or broadcasting by electronic or other media, is authorized by applicable statute and rules of court, in courtrooms, immediately adjacent areas, and in other parts of the courthouse and its environs;
(iii) conditions, limitations, and guidelines that will allow such coverage as is permitted to take place in a manner that will be unobtrusive, will not distract or otherwise adversely affect witnesses, jurors, or other trial participants, and will not otherwise interfere with the administration of justice, including:

(A) how seats in the courtroom will be allocated if sufficient seating is not available

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