General Provisions Respecting Courts of JusticeOpen Court Access

Section § 124

Explanation

Court sessions must be open to the public, but there are exceptions, like those mentioned in the Family Code. Courts can't exclude the public from in-person proceedings just because they offer remote access, unless it's necessary for health and safety reasons. If a courthouse is closed, the court must provide at least audio access to the proceedings—unless the law says the session should be closed. Remote access can include listening online or by phone.

(a)CA Civil Procedure Code § 124(a) Except as provided in Section 214 of the Family Code or any other law, the sittings of every court shall be public.
(b)Copy CA Civil Procedure Code § 124(b)
(1)Copy CA Civil Procedure Code § 124(b)(1) The court shall not exclude the public from physical access because remote access is available, unless it is necessary to restrict or limit physical access to protect the health or safety of the public or court personnel.
(2)CA Civil Procedure Code § 124(b)(2) When a courthouse is physically closed, to the extent permitted by law, the court shall provide, at a minimum, a public audio stream or telephonic means by which to listen to the proceedings. This paragraph does not apply to proceedings pursuant to Section 214 of the Family Code or other law that authorizes or requires a proceeding to be closed.
(3)CA Civil Procedure Code § 124(b)(3) For purposes of this subdivision, “remote access” shall include, but is not limited to, an audio stream that is available on an internet website or telephonic means to listen to a court proceeding.
public court access remote access audio stream ...