Here are answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions from media representatives to the Court:

  • How do I find documents or other information in a particular case? Case-related information is available electronically via the Judiciary’s Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. You can register for this access by visiting www.pacer.gov.
  • Can I attend a court proceeding?  Yes. Generally, court proceedings are open to the public.  
  • Can I photograph, record, or broadcast a hearing or courtroom proceeding? No. The court has strict rules governing the use of electronic devices in the courthouse. The use of electronic devices to take photographs or for audio/video recording or transmission is prohibited. Please refer to General Order 2022-06 at General Orders – District of Nevada (uscourts.gov). In addition Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 53 bans photography and broadcasting in all criminal proceedings. In addition, U.S. Judicial Conference policy prohibits the broadcasting of civil or criminal proceedings in federal courts.
  • Are sketch artists allowed in the courtroom? Courtroom artists and others must contact the presiding judge’s courtroom administrator before sketching is permitted. Sketch artists are prohibited from drawing detailed sketches of witnesses and jurors; however, silhouettes with no distinguishing features may be done if authorized by the presiding judge. To find contact information for the presiding judge, please visit the Court’s Judges page: Judges – District of Nevada (uscourts.gov)
  • How can the media sign up for notifications about particular civil or criminal non-sealed cases?   Members of the media can monitor any civil or criminal non-sealed case by signing up to receive automatic email notifications of electronic filings made in that case.  There is no limit on the number of cases that can be monitored.  For each case so designated, recipients will receive a Notice of Electronic Filing (“NEF”) every time a document is filed, or court action is docketed.  The NEF will include a hyperlink to the electronically filed document for which the NEF serves as notice, unless that document was filed under seal or subject to remote viewing restrictions. Media members who register for this service can add or remove specific civil and criminal non-sealed cases to their account at any time.

    To register for this service, you must complete the following steps:
  1. If you do not already have an existing account with PACER, you must register for a PACER account. You can register for PACER by visiting www.pacer.gov.  If you already have a PACER account, skip to step 2.
  2. Submit an electronic application for registration to the District of Nevada’s CM/ECF system by going through the PACER website at www.pacer.gov and select Manage My Account > Maintenance > Non-Attorney E-file Registration. Click here for detailed instructions.
  3. Complete a Media Access Application form and email the completed form to qc_vegas@nvd.uscourts.gov with a copy of your press credentials. Registration requests submitted without proof of press credentials will not be processed.

    After the Court has granted your registration request, you will be able to add or remove specific civil and criminal non-sealed cases to your email notification list at any time.  For instructions on how to do this, see the document attached here.
  • Does Judge X have any comment on Case X or is the Judge available for an interview?  “In keeping with ethics rules, federal judges do not grant interviews about active cases. Judges “speak” through comments made in open court or through written decisions. Reporters must rely on the official case proceedings as their primary information source.” (Federal Court: Media Basics – Journalist’s Guide).
  • Can court staff explain Judge X’s ruling to me and what it means? No.It is essential for reporters to understand and be able to translate legal terminology and procedures for readers or viewers. Please find a glossary at https://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/general/glossary/.
  • How do I get information about a case being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office? If a case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada, please contact the Public Information Officer at 702-388-6346.
  • Where can I submit media questions that are not answered on this page? You can email media requests to Media_Info@nvd.uscourts.gov. Please allow 2-3 business days for a response.