In the interests of informing the public, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit welcomes media coverage of legal matters coming before the court.
In almost all cases, oral arguments before an appellate panel are open to the press and public. In certain high-profile cases, the court may reserve courtroom seating for the media. Reporters should contact the court to determine whether reserve seating is available.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is one of two federal appellate courts to regularly allow still and video cameras and audio recorders in the courtroom for purposes of reporting on the proceeding. Rules pertaining to use of these devices are explained in the court's "Guidelines for Photographing, Recording and Broadcasting in the Courtroom," which is included with the "Camera Request Form" shown below.
Opinions will generally be displayed on this website by 10 a.m. Pacific Time and Memorandum Dispositions by 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time on the day of filing. The court uses an electronic case filing (ECF) system, which makes docket information and other documents available via the Internet. A PACER account will be necessary to access these files.
