Media Registration and Use of Recording and Transmitting Devices
There are specific rules governing the possession and use of recording and transmitting devices (defined broadly to include cell phones, tablets, and laptops) in courthouses and courtrooms.
To record or transmit judicial proceedings, media must register in advance of the hearing.
Participants and observers can use devices in limited ways in a courtroom.
Effective September 3, 2019, the following applies.
In a Courthouse, any person
- Any person may possess a device and use it nondisruptively
- Any nonmedia person may not, outside a courtroom, use devices to record or transmit images or sound of another person without express consent
- Registered media may orally and visually record and transmit but may not (1) use devices to communicate with a sequestered witness or to record or transmit images or sound of the sequestered witness, (2) record or transmit images or sound of parties and witnesses in confidential proceedings in areas immediately adjacent to the courtroom, (3) record or transmit the jury in areas immediately adjacent to the courtroom, and (4) use devices to record audio or video of conferences between attorney and client (only still images).
In a Courtroom (for public proceedings in civil division, V.R.C.P. 79.2, environmental division, V.R.E.C.P. 3, family division, V.R.F.P. 4.0(a)(2), criminal division, V.R.Cr.P. 53, and probate division, V.R.P.P. 79.2)
Registered Media
- May use devices to orally and visually record public proceedings
- May use devices to transmit (live stream) public proceedings
- Must comply with limits on location and pooling for that courtroom
Participants
- May use devices to audio record proceedings
- May not use devices to video record or transmit
Registered Media and Participants
- May not use devices to communicate orally
- May not operate devices in a manner that emits a distracting sound
- May not use devices to record audio of bench conferences, conferences between co-counsel, or activity during a recess
- May not use devices to record audio or video of conferences between attorney and client (only still images)
- May not use devices to record or transmit activities or images of jurors, except the court may allow images that include the jury on terms that will protect the identity of jurors
Nonparticipants
- May not use devices to communicate orally or to record or transmit audio or video
- May not operate devices in a manner that emits a distracting sound
- May not use devices at all during evidentiary proceedings or when jury is present
Jurors
- May not use devices during jury selection or trial
- May not possess devices while deliberating
Court’s Discretion
- For all or part of a proceeding, the court can permit, prohibit, terminate, limit, or postpone recording or transmitting based on a list of factors
- If the court waives limits of the rules, the court can include restrictions on placement and operation
Effective September 4, 2019, the following applies.
In a Supreme Court courthouse, any person
- May possess devices
- May use devices nondisruptively
In a Supreme Court courtroom
Registered Media
- May use devices to orally and visually record public proceedings
- May use devices to transmit (live stream) public proceedings
- Must comply with limits on location and pooling
Participants
- May use devices to audio and video record and transmit proceedings
Nonparticipants
- May not record or transmit from the galley of the courtroom
- May use devices to orally or visually record, but must comply with limits on location and pooling
Registered Media, Participants, and Nonparticipants
- May not use devices to communicate orally
- May not operate devices in a manner that emits a distracting sound
- May not use devices to record or transmit during a recess or between hearings
- May not use devices to record audio or video of conferences between attorney and client (only still images)
Court’s Discretion
- For all or part of a proceeding, the court can permit, prohibit, terminate, limit, or postpone recording or transmitting based on a list of factors
To record or transmit judicial proceedings, media must register. To register:
- Read the superior court rule and Supreme Court rule regarding recording and transmitting devices and the related administrative order:
- Review the different applications and choose the correct form.
- Submit an application as indicated in the instructions.
There are four different forms. See below for links to the forms and information about the application process.
- The application for permanent registration allows a media organization or individual to obtain a permanent registration certificate.
- The application for one-time registration allows media individuals without a permanent registration to obtain permission to record or transmit for a particular day or hearing.
- The one-time authorization allows an individual, who belongs to a media organization with a permanent registration certificate, to obtain permission to record or transmit for a particular day or hearing.
- The amendment form allows a media organization or individual to amend an existing permanent registration certificate.
Form Purpose: Allows media organizations and individuals to obtain a permanent registration certificate |
Application Process: Email to jud.mediaregistration@vermont.gov for decision by the Court Administrator |
Review Process: Review by the Supreme Court |
Form Purpose: Allows media individuals without a permanent registration certificate to obtain permission to record or transmit court proceedings for a single day or proceeding |
Application Process: Submit to court staff for decision by
|
Review Process: Review by
|
Form Purpose: Allows an individual to receive one-time authorization to represent a media organization that holds a permanent registration certificate |
Application Process: Submit to court staff for decision by
|
Review Process: Review by
|
Form Purpose: Allows media individuals/organizations to amend an existing permanent registration certificate |
Application Process: Email to jud.mediaregistration@vermont.gov for decision by the Court Administrator |
Review Process: n/a |
Media that have registered and are authorized to record or transmit are included in this list.
Name | Outlet |
Andy Kirkaldy | Addison Independent |
Christopher Ross | Addison Independent |
John Flowers | Addison Independent |
John McCright | Addison Independent |
Grant Hodgson | Backgrid |
Ryan Miner | Backgrid |
Alexandria Merrill | Bennington Banner |
Caroline Bonnivier Snyder | Bennington Banner |
Gillian Jones | Bennington Banner |
James Therrien | Bennington Banner |
Lucas Nathan | Bennington Banner |
Tiffany Tan | Bennington Banner |
Chris Mays | Brattleboro Refomer |
Krisopher Radder | Brattleboro Refomer |
Robert Audette | Brattleboro Refomer |
Susan Smallheer | Brattleboro Refomer |
Aki Soga | Burlington Free Press |
Alex Abrami | Burlington Free Press |
April Mccullum | Burlington Free Press |
Austin Danforth | Burlington Free Press |
Brent Hallenbeck | Burlington Free Press |
Dan D' Ambrosio | Burlington Free Press |
Elizabeth Murray | Burlington Free Press |
Isaac Fornarola | Burlington Free Press |
Joel Banner Baird | Burlington Free Press |
Maleeha Syed | Burlington Free Press |
Ryan Mercer | Burlington Free Press |
Amy Nixon | Caledonian Record |
Andrew McGregor | Caledonian Record |
Dana Gray | Caledonian Record |
Robin Smith | Caledonian Record |
Todd Wellington | Caledonian Record |
Aidan White | Channel 17 |
Charlie Giannoni | Channel 17 |
Daniel Logan | Channel 17 |
Scott Moody | Channel 17 |
Cynthia Prairie | Chester Telegraph |
Shawn Cunningham | Chester Telegraph |
Ben Kaufmann | County Courier |
Gregory J. Lamorueux | County Courier |
Joyce Kemp | County Courier |
Rachel Lamoureux | County Courier |
Alexander Jaramillo | Court TV |
Austin Brady | Court TV |
Bill Mannix | Court TV |
Chanley Painter | Court TV |
David Chernak | Court TV |
Emanuella Grinberg | Court TV |
Grace Wong | Court TV |
John Alleva | Court TV |
John Gulas | Court TV |
Julia Jenae' | Court TV |
Leland Kesler | Court TV |
Maurice Dortch | Court TV |
Olivia Holmes | Court TV |
Shawn Flowers | Court TV |
Terrence Golson | Court TV |
Travis Smith | Court TV |
Alex Nuti-de Biasi | Journal Opinion |
Cornelia Cesari | Journal Opinion |
Jordan Chacon | Law&Crime |
Darren Marcy | Manchester Journal |
Christina Bronger | NECN Vermont Bureau |
Jack Thurston | NECN Vermont Bureau |
Ed Barber | Newport Daily Express |
Joseph Christopher Roy | Newport Daily Express |
Laura Carpenter | Newport Daily Express |
Elizabeth Malone | Northwest Access TV |
Gerald Vaisey | Northwest Access TV |
Katie Foster | Northwest Access TV |
Martin DeGeus | Northwest Access TV |
Paul Snyder | Northwest Access TV |
Roger Lindala | Northwest Access TV |
Sarah Parsons West | Northwest Access TV |
Zach Scheffler | Northwest Access TV |
Gordon Dritschilo | Rutland Herald |
Jeb Wallace-Brodeur | Rutland Herald |
Kate Barcellos | Rutland Herald |
Keith Whitcomb | Rutland Herald |
Patrick McArdle | Rutland Herald |
Courtney Lamdin | Seven Days |
Dan Bolles | Seven Days |
Derek Brouwer | Seven Days |
James Buck | Seven Days |
Ken Picard | Seven Days |
Kevin McCallum | Seven Days |
Margaret Grayson | Seven Days |
Matthew Roy | Seven Days |
Molly Walsh | Seven Days |
Paul Heintz | Seven Days |
Sasha Goldstein | Seven Days |
Michael Frett | St. Albans Messenger |
Michelle Monroe | St. Albans Messenger |
Thomas Benton | St. Albans Messenger |
Lisa Rathke | The Associated Press |
Wilson Ring | The Associated Press |
Joseph Gresser | the Chronicle |
Meghan Stotko Wayland | the Chronicle |
Tena Starr | the Chronicle |
Caleb Symons | The Keene Sentinel |
Bridget Higdon | The Vermont Cynic |
Sawyer Loftus | The Vermont Cynic |
Stephan Toljan | The Vermont Cynic |
Anna Merriman | Valley News |
David Corriveau | Valley News |
Geoff Hansen | Valley News |
James Patterson | Valley News |
Jennifer Hauck | Valley News |
Jim Kenyon | Valley News |
John Gregg | Valley News |
John Lippman | Valley News |
Jordan Cuddemi | Valley News |
Maggie Cassidy | Valley News |
Nora Doyle-Burr | Valley News |
Patrick O'Grady | Valley News |
Rick Russell | Valley News |
Tim Camerato | Valley News |
Vanessa Palange | Valley News |
Annette Smith | VCE Media |
John Brabant | VCE Media |
Andrew Martin | Vermont Community Newspaper Group |
Gordon Miller | Vermont Community Newspaper Group |
Greg Popa | Vermont Community Newspaper Group |
Jessie Forand | Vermont Community Newspaper Group |
Josh O'Gorman | Vermont Community Newspaper Group |
Madeline Clark | Vermont Community Newspaper Group |
Mike Verillo | Vermont Community Newspaper Group |
Scooter MacMillan | Vermont Community Newspaper Group |
Tom Kearney | Vermont Community Newspaper Group |
Tommy Gardner | Vermont Community Newspaper Group |
Aidan Quigley | Vermont Digger |
Alan Keays | Vermont Digger |
Anne Galloway | Vermont Digger |
Anne Wallace Allen | Vermont Digger |
Cate Chant | Vermont Digger |
Colin Meyn | Vermont Digger |
Elizabeth Hewitt | Vermont Digger |
Ellie French | Vermont Digger |
Emma Cotton | Vermont Digger |
Glenn Russell | Vermont Digger |
Grace Elletson | Vermont Digger |
Jasper Goodman | Vermont Digger |
Jim Welch | Vermont Digger |
Jon Margolis | Vermont Digger |
Justin Trombly | Vermont Digger |
Katy Savage | Vermont Digger |
Kevin O’Connor | Vermont Digger |
Kit Norton | Vermont Digger |
Lola Duffort | Vermont Digger |
Mark Johnson | Vermont Digger |
Mike Dougherty | Vermont Digger |
Riley Robinson | Vermont Digger |
Sawyer Loftus | Vermont Digger |
Xander Landen | Vermont Digger |
Eric Francis | Vermont News |
Janet Francis | Vermont News |
Mike Donoghue | Vermont News First |
Amy Kolb Noyes | Vermont Public Radio |
Angela Evancie | Vermont Public Radio |
Betty Smith | Vermont Public Radio |
Bob Kinzel | Vermont Public Radio |
Elodie Reed | Vermont Public Radio |
Emily Corwin | Vermont Public Radio |
Henry Epp | Vermont Public Radio |
Howard Weiss-Tisman | Vermont Public Radio |
Jane Lindholm | Vermont Public Radio |
John Dillion | Vermont Public Radio |
Liam Elder Connors | Vermont Public Radio |
Lynne McCrea | Vermont Public Radio |
Mark Davis | Vermont Public Radio |
Matthew Smith | Vermont Public Radio |
Meg Malone | Vermont Public Radio |
Mitch Wertlieb | Vermont Public Radio |
Nina Keck | Vermont Public Radio |
Peter Hirschefeld | Vermont Public Radio |
Ric Cengeri | Vermont Public Radio |
Sam Gale Rosen | Vermont Public Radio |
Sarah Ashworth | Vermont Public Radio |
Adam Sullivan | WCAX-TV |
Alexandra Montgomery | WCAX-TV |
Alexei Rubenstein | WCAX-TV |
Andy Goodrich | WCAX-TV |
Angela Elderton | WCAX-TV |
Calvin Cutler | WCAX-TV |
Cameron Smith | WCAX-TV |
Cassie Helmar | WCAX-TV |
Cat Viglienzoni | WCAX-TV |
Christina Guessferd | WCAX-TV |
Darren Perron | WCAX-TV |
Dom Amato | WCAX-TV |
Elissa Borden | WCAX-TV |
Erin Brown | WCAX-TV |
Ike Bendavid | WCAX-TV |
Joe Carroll | WCAX-TV |
Katharine Huntley | WCAX-TV |
Kayla Martin | WCAX-TV |
Kelly O'Brien | WCAX-TV |
Kevin Gaiss | WCAX-TV |
Kiana Burks | WCAX-TV |
Lance MacKenzie | WCAX-TV |
Melissa Cooney | WCAX-TV |
Olivia Lyons | WCAX-TV |
Rachel Mann | WCAX-TV |
Roger Garrity | WCAX-TV |
Shelly Holt Allen | WCAX-TV |
Victoria Baldoni | WCAX-TV |
Ben Mitchell | WFFF/WVNY |
Bo-Yee Poon | WFFF/WVNY |
Brian Wallstin | WFFF/WVNY |
Brooke Devine | WFFF/WVNY |
Connor Fay | WFFF/WVNY |
Haley Bouley | WFFF/WVNY |
Isabel Schonemann | WFFF/WVNY |
Lauren Maloney | WFFF/WVNY |
Lee Pascoe | WFFF/WVNY |
Michael Bogaards | WFFF/WVNY |
Mike Hoey | WFFF/WVNY |
Sam Israel | WFFF/WVNY |
Sean Hertel | WFFF/WVNY |
Steve Longchamp | WFFF/WVNY |
Brooke Selby | WNYT NewsChannel 13 |
Dan Levy | WNYT NewsChannel 13 |
Emily Burkhard | WNYT NewsChannel 13 |
Emily Devito | WNYT NewsChannel 13 |
Jacqueline Slater | WNYT NewsChannel 13 |
Jennifer Andrus | WNYT NewsChannel 13 |
Jill Konopka | WNYT NewsChannel 13 |
Kumi Tucker | WNYT NewsChannel 13 |
Mark Mulholland | WNYT NewsChannel 13 |
Adrian Pastor | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Alice Kang | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Brian Colleran | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Caitlyn Kuntz | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Carolyn Sistrand | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Devon White | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Jackson Noel | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Jackson Stover | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Jen Harriger | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
John Hawks | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Kristina Tobey | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Krystin Rae | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Lauren Granada | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Leah Mahoney | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Liz Strzepa | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Michael Cusanelli | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Michael LaFlesh | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Molly Ormsbee | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Oli Birgisson | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Orrin Schonfeld | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Rob Neves | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Sam Spaulding | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Sarahbeth Ackerman | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Schuyler Gann | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Shelby Lincoln | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Sid Bewlay | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Stephen Biddix | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Stewart Ledbetter | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Zuri Hoffman | WPTZ/NBC 5 |
Media policies for individual Vermont courtrooms are available below. You may submit feedback about these policies using the Vermont Courtroom Policies Feedback form.