SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - A judicial council has voted to approve the use of cameras and other electronic recording devices inside Utah courtrooms.
The panel voted 9-3 on Monday in favor of the change.
Utah was one of only 15 states in the country still restricting cameras in the courts.
"Some judges have concerns with allowing cameras in the courtroom, it is a major shift for the courts," says Nancy Volmer, spokesperson for the courts. "But ultimately a judge does have the authority to not allow cameras in the courtroom."
She says judges may forbid cameras in instances where children are involved or cases involving gangs, or certain witnesses.
The rule change opens the courts for both the media and the public.
"It allows the media to have video cameras in the trial courts," Volmer says. "And it allows the public to bring electronic devices inside the courtroom."
She says before cameras were not allowed in the courtroom now cameras will be allowed and a judge must have a valid not personal reason to allow video recordings.
The change will go into effect on April 1.
