It is in general prohibited to take photographs or make film recordings while court is in session. The prohibition also applies to what is displayed as evidence on the screen. The same rules also applies in press centres etc. and when the press follows the case via streaming.
A formal violation of the ban on photography and filming is a criminal offence pursuant to the Court of Justice Act, Section 198 and may result in a fine for contempt of court.
Allowed during the breaks
Photography, filming and live broadcast by wireless cameras is allowed in the court house and the courtroom until the court is set in the morning, and during the breaks.
Other court meetings
The prohibition also applies to court hearings on remand or hearings for investigation or evidence collection, even if no proceedings are taking place during these.
Film and photo of the accused and others
The prohibition also applies outside the courtroom for the accused/convicted, unless they have consented. The same prohibition does not apply to other actors in the case, such as the prosecutor, defense attorney, judges, or witnesses, on their way to or from court hearings or in the courthouse. This applies even if they have not consented.
The prohibition means that no film or photos can be taken of other actors if the accused is in the pictures, even if the accused's face is intended to be made unrecognizable later or if the person is, for example, only filmed from behind. The prohibition applies to all accused/convicted in the same case, even if they are only witnesses because the main hearing for them has been conducted earlier, will be held later, or they have been finally convicted in a lower instance.
The rules are given for privacy reasons and to ensure that court proceedings are not disturbed.
Exceptions
The court can make certain exceptions. A formal application must then be submitted. The application is sent to the court leader at the place where the trial is to be conducted.
Note:
The court's ability to make exceptions to the recording prohibition only applies to the main hearing/appeal hearing, including the court meeting for sentencing.
The application must be submitted well in advance, so that the court and the parties have ample time to consider it.
What can you apply for?
You can apply for permission to film all or parts of the court hearing, such as the defense attorney's and prosecutor's opening statements and procedures, the sentencing, or other parts of the court hearing.
Information that the application should contain:
- Name of the applicant and editorial office (contact information)
- Which case the application is for
- Which parts of the court hearing the application is for
- The purpose of the photography/recording
- How the recording is intended to be carried out
- Other technical and practical information