Photo and film restrictions during court meetings
In criminal cases, it is prohibited by law to film or photograph the accused without his consent, on his way to and from the courthouse, and inside the court house.
It is in general prohibited to take photographs or make film recordings while court is in session (Courts of Justice Act, Section 131 a). The same rules also applies in press centres etc.
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).
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.
Apply for permission to film/photograph
The court may permit photography or filming during a main hearing under specific circumstances, including:
- educational reasons
- considerable public interest
- other particular reasons
You may apply for permission to film/photograph during court meetings or certain parts of court meetings, for instance the prosecutor's and the defense council's prologue and closing procedures, the reading of the verdict etc. You should apply in good time, so that the judge and the parties may have time to consider your request.
In the application you should state your name and the media you represent, your contact details, what court meeting you are applying for and which parts of the court meeting, and your purpose. You should also inform us about your technical and practical information that you find relevant.
Send the application to presse@domstol.no.