For Media

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals welcomes media coverage of its cases.

Media Coverage at the Ninth Circuit

Oral Arguments

Nearly all arguments are open to the press and public. In high-profile cases, some seating may be reserved for media. Contact the court for details.

Livestreams and Recordings

All oral arguments are livestreamed on the court’s website, and recordings are posted afterward unless the hearing is sealed. Reporters may use these recordings without restriction. Transcripts are not provided by the court.

Electronic Devices and Photography

Devices are allowed in the courtroom, but photography is prohibited while court is in session unless advance permission is granted. Email the court for permission at least 2 business days ahead of the hearing.

View the Electronic Device Policy (PDF) 

Opinions

The court posts opinions and memoranda immediately as they are filed, usually between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Pacific Time. You can also subscribe to the court’s RSS feed to receive alerts.

Refer to the glossary to help you understand decisions.

Case Access

Case dockets and documents are available through the court’s electronic filing system, PACER. A PACER account is required.

Sealed Documents

To unseal case documents, media must file a motion to intervene in the case. Refer to Circuit Rule 27-13. Sealed Documents (PDF).

The rules note: “Motions to unseal may be made on any grounds permitted by law.” In practice, anyone not a party to the case can only file a motion to unseal if they submit it with a motion to intervene for the purpose of filing the motion to unseal. The seeker would have to be added to the case’s docket as a proposed intervenor, something like a party to the case.

Contact Us

The Ninth Circuit Public Information staff handles media questions, community outreach, and the circuit’s annual report. They cannot provide case-specific details, handle state court matters, or give legal advice.

• Public Information staff do not provide legal research, case updates, attorney admission help, prisoner or jury information, naturalization details, or Supreme Court information. Emails requesting these services will not receive a reply.

Email

Media requests: mediarelease@ce9.uscourts.gov

Public information comments: comments@ce9.uscourts.gov

Phone:

(415) 355-8873

Mailing Address:

Attn: Public Information Unit

Office of the Circuit Executive

P.O. Box 193939

San Francisco, CA 94119-3939

Useful Links

• Read about the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, courthouse locations, and hours.

• The Office of the Circuit Executive site includes the list of judges by seniority, and information about judgeships, judicial council, annual reports, and circuit court locations.

• The glossary provides short definitions of common legal terms used at this court.

• The U.S Courts Journalist’s Guide to the Federal Judiciary provides information about the court’s role and structure, a court directory, and how to access court documents.

• The Summary of District Resources provides a listing of district courts in the circuit, how decisions can be accessed, and media contact information.