Media
Conduct Guide for Remote Appearances
Certain court proceedings are now being conducted remotely by online video or by phone.
Below are various best practices and points of etiquette that will help ensure your participation in a remote hearing is as effective as possible.
Court Information Access Guide for Alberta
The Court Information Access Guide for Alberta covers access to court proceedings, information, documents, and exhibits by members of the public, including the media. It also covers restrictions on access to or publication of court information. The guide applies to civil, family, provincial offences, and criminal proceedings in the Alberta Court of Justice and in the Court of Appeal of Alberta and Court of King's Bench of Alberta.
The applicable notice to the profession is Practice Note Governing Notice of Application for Publication Ban.
Media Undertaking
Members of the media may sign the Media Accreditation Undertaking and provide it to the Alberta Court of Justice. When the court accepts the undertaking, the media representative is then accredited media for the purpose of the court’s access policies.
The contact for enquiries about the undertaking and related policies is Olav Rokne, Senior Communication Advisor at the Alberta Court of justice. Questions about the process as well as completed undertakings may be emailed to mediaACOJ@albertacourts.ca.
Accredited Media List
Accreditations approved after March 17, 2023 will be handled under the newly-revised media accreditation policy. The list of currently accredited members of the media under this new policy appears in the Accredited Media List 2023.
Audio Recording Policy
Members of accredited media are allowed to make audio recordings of court proceedings on the conditions set out in the Media Audio Recording Policy.
Electronic & Wireless Devices Policy
Counsel and members of accredited media are allowed to keep their devices turned on in courtrooms, subject to the terms of the use of electronic devices policy 2023, adopted by the Alberta Court of Justice. All other persons must turn off their devices in courtrooms. For everyone, this policy governs use of electronic and wireless devices in courtrooms and courthouses.
Policy for Access to Court Audio Recordings
Members of the public, lawyers, litigants, accused or the media may obtain copies of court audio recordings only in accordance with the Policy for Access to Court Audio Recordings.