Court and Precinct Safety for Journalists

Last reviewed: 13 June 2026Next review due: 13 December 2026

Risks unique to court journalism

Court reporters work in environments where emotions run extremely high — victims, defendants, and their families are all present in a confined space. Coverage of serious criminal cases, family court disputes, and civil litigation can generate intense reactions. The court building itself provides a degree of security through HMCTS screening, but the precinct outside — the steps, car parks, and surrounding streets — often does not.

Photography rules inside and immediately outside court buildings are also more complex than in most public spaces, governed primarily by section 41 of the Criminal Justice Act 1925 and CPR Practice Direction 39A. The judiciary.gov.uk website publishes up-to-date media guidance on photography and filming in and around courts.

High-profile cases attract large press contingents, which can themselves become safety hazards — scrums outside court entrances have resulted in injuries to photographers and members of the public. Plan your position, identify exit routes, and work with colleagues where possible.

Dealing with threats from defendants or their families

If threatened inside the court precinct

›Return inside the building where HMCTS security is present.
›Alert court security staff immediately.
›Do not engage with or confront the person making the threat.
›Note everything: time, location, what was said, any witnesses.
›Request an escorted exit from HMCTS staff if you feel unsafe leaving.

If threatened outside the precinct

›Move to a populated public area.
›Call police: 999 if immediate danger, 101 otherwise.
›Contact your editor immediately.
›Consider whether the case warrants ongoing safety measures — inform NUJ welfare.
›Report to police and file a crime reference number to support any future legal action.

Photography: inside vs outside court

Inside the court building — prohibited

Section 41 of the Criminal Justice Act 1925 makes photographing any person inside a court building a criminal offence. This includes photographs taken in the lobby, corridors, and courtrooms. The prohibition covers all digital recording devices. Court sketches made from memory outside the building are generally permitted.

The ban also covers filming of defendants being brought up from custody cells or passing through secure areas of the court. Breaching s.41 can result in a fine. Always check the judiciary.gov.uk media guidance before any photography assignment at a new court building.

Outside the building — generally permitted, with caveats

Photography in a public space outside the court building is generally lawful. However, CPR Practice Direction 39A and the Courts Act 2003 allow HMCTS to designate areas where photography is restricted. Some courts post signage. Always check whether a specific court has issued a photography restriction order.

Note also: photographing jurors is strongly discouraged and may be treated as a contempt of court if it could identify or intimidate them. Witnesses subject to anonymity orders must not be photographed.

Security searches and entering court

›All visitors to HMCTS courts must pass through security screening — there is no journalist exemption.
›You may be required to remove laptops, recording equipment, and large bags from the X-ray belt.
›HMCTS security staff can refuse entry but should not examine the content of journalistic materials (notes, recordings) beyond routine security screening — seek legal advice if asked to open documents.
›Contact the court press office in advance for high-profile trials, as some courts have dedicated press arrangements and may issue credentials.
›If your equipment is seized by security, ask for a receipt, contact your editor, and seek legal advice from a media law solicitor.
›Some courts operate a dedicated press entrance — check with the HMCTS press office before arrival.

Pre-trial preparation for high-profile cases

Contact the court press office well in advance — many high-profile trials have specific press arrangements including dedicated seating.
Understand any reporting restrictions in place before the first day — check with media law solicitors or your publication's legal team.
For cases involving significant public interest in the defendant or victim, consider whether additional safety measures are warranted (work with a colleague, plan exit routes from court).
Keep your position in the press gallery away from the public gallery where possible.
Be aware that family members of defendants or victims may recognise you from previous coverage — dress to blend in if safety is a concern.

Red flags and common mistakes

⚠Taking a photograph in the lobby or corridor of a court building — breaches CJA 1925 s.41 even if not in the courtroom.
⚠Photographing jurors outside court — risks contempt of court proceedings.
⚠Not checking reporting restrictions before publishing from a case involving a youth or victim with anonymity.
⚠Leaving court alone at the end of a high-emotion trial without informing a colleague of your route.
⚠Engaging verbally with an aggressive family member rather than disengaging and alerting HMCTS security.
⚠Failing to record a crime reference number after a threat — limits future legal options.
⚠Assuming audio recording on a laptop is permitted — check with the court clerk for each case.

Frequently asked questions

Can I photograph outside a court building?

You can generally photograph in a public place outside a court building. However, court precincts — the area immediately surrounding or controlled by HMCTS — may have restrictions. CPR Practice Direction 39A and the Criminal Procedure Rules permit the Lord Chancellor to designate areas where photography is prohibited. Some courts have specific signage. If in doubt, ask the HMCTS press officer. Never photograph defendants or witnesses being transported in secure vehicles on court grounds without confirming legality first.

Is it ever legal to photograph inside a court?

Section 41 of the Criminal Justice Act 1925 makes it a criminal offence to take photographs inside a court building, including photographs of any person entering or leaving the court. This prohibition extends to sketch artists in some courts. The ban covers digital recording as well as still photography. Sketches made from memory after leaving the court are generally permitted. The Judicial College has piloted camera-in-court arrangements in limited appellate proceedings — always confirm with the court in advance.

What should I do if I am threatened by a defendant's family outside court?

If threatened verbally or physically: move to a public area with other people or return inside the court building, which has security staff. Contact HMCTS security or court staff immediately. Call police (999 if immediate danger, 101 otherwise). Document everything — note what was said, by whom, time and location, and any witnesses. Inform your editor and the NUJ. If you receive threats via social media following court coverage, see our harassment response guide.

What are my rights if I am asked to submit to a security search?

HMCTS operates security screening at all courts. You must submit to security screening to enter the building — there is no journalist exemption. You may be asked to remove laptops and recording equipment from bags. Courts are permitted to refuse entry. If you are refused entry without good reason, or if your journalistic materials (notes, recordings) are examined in detail rather than just screened for prohibited items, seek legal advice from a media law solicitor. Ask for the name and badge number of the officer involved.

Can I record audio in court?

Recording audio in court without permission is a contempt of court under s.9 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981. Journalists cannot record proceedings for broadcast without a court order. However, the Judicial College and some courts have piloted live-streaming arrangements. Always check the specific court's arrangements in advance. The use of laptops to type notes in court is generally permitted; check with the court clerk if uncertain.

How do I handle reporting restrictions at high-profile trials?

Reporting restrictions may be imposed under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992 (anonymity for victims), the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, or at the discretion of the judge. Always check with the court clerk or the HMCTS press office before the first day of a high-profile trial. IPSO and the NUJ both publish guidance on common reporting restriction orders. If in doubt, hold the story until you have confirmed with your publication's legal team.

Primary sources

HMCTS — HM Courts and Tribunals Service— HMCTS
Judiciary — Media Guidance for Courts— Judiciary of England and Wales
NUJ — Court Reporting Guidance— National Union of Journalists
IPSO — Editors' Code of Practice— IPSO
Criminal Justice Act 1925 s.41 — Photography in Court— legislation.gov.uk
Contempt of Court Act 1981 s.9 — Audio Recording— legislation.gov.uk