ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) New York court administrators have approved revised rules governing cameras in state courts, lifting many 20-year-old restrictions while still leaving access decisions to individual trial judges.
Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman says the old rules failed to adequately articulate the court system's policy of encouraging open access to proceedings where permitted by law.
The rules still prohibit recording juries, rape victims, compulsory witnesses or anyone the judge says would be endangered.
Taping attorney-client conferences requires their permission.
The revisions allow two still photographers, up from one, and two audio-visual camera operators.
They remove requirements that media seek judicial permission seven days in advance or that all parties agree to cameras at arraignments.
Approved by the Administrative Board of the Courts, changes take effect Feb. 15 subject to Court of Appeals approval.
