Cameras a bit more welcome in Arizona courts

The Supreme Court of Arizona has loosened its restrictions on cameras in courtrooms, issuing an order Tuesday that requires judges to make "specific, on-the-record findings that there is a likelihood of harm . . . that outweighs the benefit to the public of camera coverage" before banning photographs of court proceedings.

The revised rule, which is effective January 1, also allows more room for appeal when judges do opt to restrict cameras, by eliminating a provision giving the judge "sole" discretion.