Cameras Could Enter Federal Courts: Bill Proposes Media Access with Witness Protections, 3-Year Limit for District Courts

This bill, the "Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025," proposes a significant shift by allowing federal judges in both appellate and district courts to permit cameras and electronic recording of proceedings. Think live broadcasts or recordings of federal trials and appeals, bringing court actions directly to the public eye, though judges get the final say on whether to allow it, as long as it doesn't violate due process rights.

Opening the Doors, With Conditions

The core idea is straightforward: let the public see federal justice in action. Presiding judges in U.S. appellate courts could greenlight photography, recording, or broadcasting. For U.S. district courts (where trials happen), judges could also grant permission, but with some key guardrails. This authority for district courts isn't permanent; it's set to expire three years after the law takes effect, making it more of a pilot program initially. Importantly, if a judge says yes or no to cameras, that decision can't be immediately appealed while the case is ongoing (no "interlocutory appeal").

Spotlight Safety: Protecting Witnesses and Jurors

Recognizing the sensitivity of court cases, the bill includes specific protections. Witnesses in trials must be informed they can request to have their face and voice disguised if cameras are present. The bill explicitly prohibits any filming or broadcasting of jurors or the jury selection process – keeping that part of the trial firmly off-camera. Furthermore, judges have the power to obscure anyone's face and voice if there's "good cause," citing reasons like safety threats, protecting ongoing investigations, or simply serving the interest of justice. To ensure vulnerable individuals like crime victims, minors, or undercover officers are protected, the Judicial Conference of the United States (the policymaking body for federal courts) is required to issue mandatory guidelines within six months.

Behind the Scenes: Rules and Responsibilities

Judges aren't just flipping a switch; they get to set the rules for media conduct in their courtroom and enforce them. The bill also makes clear that private conversations – like those between a lawyer and client, or between lawyers and the judge that aren't part of the official record – cannot be picked up by microphones or broadcast. While the goal is transparency, the courts aren't required to foot the bill for any special accommodations needed for media coverage; those costs might fall elsewhere. The Judicial Conference can also issue advisory guidelines for judges, but the ones for protecting vulnerable witnesses are mandatory. This framework aims to balance public access with the need to protect participants and maintain orderly proceedings, though the three-year limit on district court access suggests a cautious approach to this change.