Smile! U.S. District Court in Massachusetts to allow video cameras

October 13, 2011

Boston, Massachusetts: The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts has introduced a pilot program to allow video recordings of civil trials. In Massachusetts, the shooting will start Oct. 17, but the three-year study will occur in 14 federal districts. Massachusetts is one of the few states that allows cameras, microphones and other recording equipment into the courtroom (with special permission), but this is a new experiment for the federal courts. There are a few limitations. Criminal trials will remain off limits to cameras, and civil case recordings must be agreed upon by all parties, as well as the judge. Also, only videos made by court personnel will be allowed. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Mark Wolf explained that there are "different judges with different degrees of enthusiasm about this," but that he believed it would increase public support of the judiciary. The videos will be available to the public on www.uscourts.gov.