Basic guidelines on cameras in the courtrooms

Lucas County Court deputy Barry Wilson hangs out in courtroom 5 prior to the start of a murder sentencing. (By Lori King)

   In Ohio, media are allowed cameras (with permission) in county and municipal courtrooms, but not Federal or the Court of Appeals. Each court has their own rules, as well.

• For example, Lucas County courts don't allow flash, but I've witnessed flash use in a few small-town courts. I was a bit shocked that the judge said nothing. Rule of thumb: though it's ultimately up to the individual judges,  I wouldn't recommend using a flash in court.
• A few judges let media take photos in the jury box as long as the jury box is empty. This is often preferable because we get a better shot of the attorneys, prosecutors and defendants. But other judges prefer we stay in the back, behind the gallery. This only allows us to shoot (no pun intended) the backs of heads.
• Lucas County judges do not allow media to start shooting until the judge begins the trial or sentencing; we can't show hand cuffs on the defendant until he is proven guilty; and we are not allowed to shoot anyone in the gallery. We also must have permission from the witnesses before we can shoot them. But in Toledo Municipal Court, we can basically shoot anyone at anytime.
• In the county courthouse, media can shoot defendants in the hallways as they are being escorted in and out by sheriff deputies, although it's standard for us to shoot them as they are leaving the courtroom. However, the last time I tried to shoot in the hallway at the Municipal Court, a deputy sheriff got nervous and told me I couldn't. I still have to check on that because I'm pretty sure we can. I wasn't willing to create a scene over something that wasn't that important at the time.

  The bottom line is to always ask the court bailiff what the rules are when shooting in a particular court for the first time. This will keep you out of hot water and on the good side of the judge.
   See this state-by-state guideline to find out which states allow cameras in court.