New rules allow photography, recording in courtrooms

The CNMI Supreme Court has adopted new rules that would now allow photography, video recording, broadcasts, webcasts, and archiving inside courtrooms, in accordance with the high court’s policies and procedures.

Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro and associate justices John A. Manglona and Perry B. Inos issued the administrative order that adopted the new rules last week.

According to the NMI Supreme Court Rule 53, official court reporters are permitted to make voice recordings for the sole purpose of discharging their official duties.

Rule 53 also states that, as a public service, the Supreme Court and the Superior Court are permitted to photograph, record, broadcast, webcast, and archive trial and appellate court proceedings in accordance with the policies and procedures of the high court.

Rule 53 further states that webcast or broadcast may not be re-published in any manner by any person, in whole or in part, without the prior express written permission of the Supreme Court.