§ 5103.1. Unlawful use of an audio or video device in court. 2020-01-20

Cross References. Section 5103 is referred to in section 1515 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).

§ 5103.1. Unlawful use of an audio or video device in court.

Offense defined.--A person commits an offense if the person in any manner and for any purpose uses or operates a device to capture, record, transmit or broadcast a photograph, video, motion picture or audio of a proceeding or person within a judicial facility or in an area adjacent to or immediately surrounding a judicial facility without the approval of the court or presiding judicial officer or except as provided by rules of court.

(b) Grading.--

(1) An offense under this section shall constitute a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(2) A second or subsequent offense shall constitute a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(c) Definition.--As used in this section, the term "judicial facility" means a courtroom, hearing room or judicial chambers used by the court to conduct trials or hearings or any other court-related business or any other room made available to interview witnesses. The term does not include the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building except for that portion of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building designated by the Court Administrator of Pennsylvania, under the authority of the Supreme Court, as a judicial facility.

(Oct. 24, 2018, P.L.658, No.94, eff. 60 days)