(a) Offense defined.--A person commits an offense if the person in any manner and for any purpose uses or operates a device to capture, record, transmit or broadcast a photograph, video, motion picture or audio of a proceeding or person within a judicial facility or in an area adjacent to or immediately surrounding a judicial facility without the approval of the court or presiding judicial officer or except as provided by rules of court.
(b) Grading.--
(1) An offense under this section shall constitute a misdemeanor of the second degree.
(2) A second or subsequent offense shall constitute a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(c) Definition.--As used in this section, the term "judicial facility" means a courtroom, hearing room or judicial chambers used by the court to conduct trials or hearings or any other court-related business or any other room made available to interview witnesses. The term does not include the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building except for that portion of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building designated by the Court Administrator of Pennsylvania, under the authority of the Supreme Court, as a judicial facility.
(Oct. 24, 2018, P.L.658, No.94, eff. 60 days)
2018 Amendment. Act 94 added section 5103.1.
Structure Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES
Chapter 51 - Obstructing Governmental Operations
Section 5101 - Obstructing administration of law or other governmental function
Section 5102 - Obstructing or impeding the administration of justice by picketing, etc
Section 5103 - Unlawfully listening into deliberations of jury
Section 5103.1 - Unlawful use of an audio or video device in court
Section 5104 - Resisting arrest or other law enforcement
Section 5104.1 - Disarming law enforcement officer
Section 5104.2 - Evading arrest or detention on foot
Section 5104.3 - Harming a police animal while evading arrest or detention
Section 5105 - Hindering apprehension or prosecution
Section 5106 - Failure to report injuries by firearm or criminal act
Section 5107 - Aiding consummation of crime
Section 5110 - Contempt of General Assembly
Section 5111 - Dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities
Section 5112 - Obstructing emergency services
Section 5122 - Weapons or implements for escape
Section 5124 - Default in required appearance
Section 5125 - Absconding witness
Section 5126 - Flight to avoid apprehension, trial or punishment