Bloggers can now register to bring cameras, phones and laptops into state courts

The state court system today opened up registration for bloggers who want the same ability as mainstream-media reporters and photographers to record and report in courtrooms.

The court system's new access rule, which goes into effect Sept. 17, will, for the first time, grant citizen journalists the ability to record trials, arraignments and certain other proceedings on a routine basis:

Registration shall be afforded to organizations that regularly gather, prepare, photograph, record, write, edit, report or publish news or information about matters of public interest for dissemination to the public in any medium, whether print or electronic, and to individuals who regularly perform a similar function, upon certification by the individuals that they perform such a role and that they will familiarize themselves or their representative, as the case may be, with the provisions of this rule and will comply with them.

Currently, many courts prohibit bloggers from bringing cameras into courtrooms without advance permission from a judge. Many courts also prohibit non-MSM reporters from bringing phones and laptops as well. The new rules will allow for one non-MSM camera per courtroom - so if two bloggers show up with cameras, they'll have to decide which one gets to record and give a copy of his or her video to the other.

Registration form and a copy of Rule 1:19, which explains what you can and cannot record (sidebar conferences, for example).

Ed. note: I served on a subcommittee that drafted an initial version of the new rule.