Opinion
49S00-1211-MS-640
11-13-2012
NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY AUTHORIZATION TO BROADCAST COURT PROCEEDINGS
Editorial Note:
UNPUBLISHED OPINION
ORDER
BRENT E. DICKSON, Chief Justice of Indiana.
Notwithstanding the prohibitions against broadcasting, televising, recording, or taking photographs in the courtroom and adjacent areas in the Code of Judicial Conduct Canon 2.17, the Supreme Court will authorize video and audio coverage of certain uncontested adoptions in Indiana trial courts on or about National Adoption Day. National Adoption Day is an effort to raise awareness about children in foster care waiting to find permanent families (for further information, see http://www.nationaladoptionday.org/). Several Indiana trial courts are celebrating National Adoption Day by increasing public awareness of the value of adoption proceedings. The Supreme Court will allow coverage of adoption proceedings under the following terms:
Term. Friday, November 16, 2012.
Judges. Henry Circuit Court Judge Mary G. Willis; Allen Superior Court Judge Charles F. Pratt; and Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall have given their consent and expressed willingness to participate in National Adoption Day.
• Judge Willis' courtroom is in the Henry Circuit Court, 1215 Race Street, #340, New Castle, IN 47362. Judge Willis anticipates 8-9 adoptions from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. EST on Nov 16th. This National Adoption Day event is a joint effort with CASA and DCS.
• Judge Pratt's courtroom is in the Allen Superior Court, 715 S. Calhoun Street, #208, Fort Wayne, IN 46802. Judge Pratt anticipates 30-45 adoptions during an all day event on Nov 16th. This National Adoption Day event is supported by various community groups.
• Judge Hall's courtroom is in the Starke Circuit Court, 53 E. Washington St., Knox, IN 46534. Judge Hall anticipates 3-5 adoptions starting at 1 p.m. CST.
Consent. Judges Willis, Pratt, and Hall are authorized to allow video and audio coverage of uncontested adoption proceedings. The judges have full discretion in allowing or denying the filming of proceedings. The Judge shall ensure the consent of the parties. This order permitting audio and video coverage does not authorize public access to the documents and records of the proceeding.
Transmission and Use of Content. Media may use audio/video coverage for news purposes and families can preserve the event via still or videotape photography.
Equipment. The audio and video equipment must not be intrusive of the judicial process and be operated from areas specifically designated by the court.
Decorum. Media personnel are to be non-intrusive to the judicial process. Personnel may enter and leave only prior to the commencement of proceedings, during recess, or after adjournment. Courtroom proceedings shall not be disrupted or interrupted. Appropriate attire is required.
The Clerk is directed to send copies of this order to the Hon. Mary G. Willis, Judge of the Henry Circuit Court; to the Hon. Charles F. Pratt, Judge of the Allen Superior Court; to the Hon. Kim Hall, Judge of the Starke Circuit Court; and to Supreme Court Public Information Officer Kathryn Dolan. The Clerk is also directed to post this order on the Court's website.