Information Especially for the News Media

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This page contains information especially for the news media concerning the District Court of Douglas County, Kansas.

With rare exceptions, all court hearings are open to the public and the news media. Hearings and records involving the care and treatment of mentally ill individuals are closed to the public. Adoption records and records involving children in need of care generally are closed, although adoption hearings are open. Some hearings involving children in need of care or juvenile offenders may be closed. Rules are specified in the Kansas Statutes . When in doubt about a particular hearing, ask the judge's administrative assistant.

Court Policies
As with any other person in court, news media members are expected to remain quiet and observe the appropriate courtroom decorum.

Cameras in Courtrooms
News people who wish to use a still, movie or video camera in the courtroom must request permission of the judge presiding in the case. To request such permission, please contact the judge's administrative assistant. In the event that division personnel can't be reached, contact the court administrator.

Interviewing Judges
To request an interview, please contact the presiding judge's To request an interview, please contact the presiding judge's administrative assistant.

Interviewing Jurors
No juror may be interviewed until a verdict has been reached. After a verdict, the decision as to being interviewed is left to the individual jurors.

High-profile Cases
Policies are the same for high-profile cases as for any other case. It should be noted, however, that the court is willing to work with news outlets to arrange pool cameras or other details to provide news coverage. Contact the pertinent division.