Media

• Court Order re Use of Cameras and Recording Devices (Policy and Instructions)
• FORM MC-500 Request (fillable)
• FORM MC-510 Order (fillable)
• California Rule of Court 1.150

Please follow the instructions provided above to complete your media request and order for coverage of a court hearing. All required forms should be submitted to the appropriate court location via email at least five (5) court days prior to the court hearing, as follows:

• Salinas – Criminal Division – Submit Salinas
• Monterey – Civil & Family Law Division – Submit Monterey

If your filing is accepted, your request and order will be forwarded to the appropriate judge for review. Once your request is reviewed and returned to the Clerk's Office, a conformed copy will be returned to you via email.

When considering a request to record, photograph, or broadcast a court proceeding, a judge must consider the factors provided in California Rules of Court, rule 1.150(e)(3), as follows:

• The importance of maintaining public trust and confidence in the judicial system;
• The importance of promoting public access to the judicial system;
• The parties' support of or opposition to the request;
• The nature of the case;
• The privacy rights of all participants in the proceeding, including witnesses, jurors, and victims;
• The effect on any minor who is a party, prospective witness, victim, or other participant in the proceeding;
• The effect on the parties' ability to select a fair and unbiased jury;
• The effect on any ongoing law enforcement activity in the case;
• The effect on any unresolved identification issues;
• The effect on any subsequent proceedings in the case;
• The effect of coverage on the willingness of witnesses to cooperate, including the risk that coverage will engender threats to the health or safety of any witness;
• The effect on excluded witnesses who would have access to the televised testimony of prior witnesses;
• The scope of the coverage and whether partial coverage might unfairly influence or distract the jury;
• The difficulty of jury selection if a mistrial is declared;
• The security and dignity of the court;
• Undue administrative or financial burden to the court or participants;
• The interference with neighboring courtrooms;
• The maintenance of the orderly conduct of the proceeding; and
• Any other factor the judge deems relevant.

Automated Case Information

This site allows viewing of court calendars and name index-search of defendants for Criminal, Civil, Traffic and Small Claims cases.

Glossary of Legal Terms

View the Judicial Council's Glossary of Legal Terms to guide you in legal terminology.