For Media
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit welcomes media coverage of its cases.
Media Coverage at the Ninth Circuit
Oral Arguments
Nearly all arguments are open to the press and public. In high-profile cases, some seating may be reserved for media. Contact the court for details.
Livestreams and Recordings
All oral arguments are livestreamed on the court’s website, and recordings are posted afterward unless the hearing is sealed. Reporters may use these recordings without restriction. Transcripts are not provided by the court.
Electronic Devices and Photography
Devices are allowed in the courtroom, but photography is prohibited while court is in session unless advance permission is granted. Email the court for permission at least 5 business days ahead of the hearing.
Opinions
The court posts opinions and memoranda immediately as they are filed, usually between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Pacific Time. You can also subscribe to the court’s RSS feed to receive alerts.
For anyone interested in receiving notices regarding activity in any Ninth Circuit case, please read Notices in Cases of Interest for Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. (PDF)
Refer to the glossary of legal terms to help you understand decisions.
Case Access
Case dockets and documents are available through the court’s electronic filing system, PACER. A PACER account is required.
Sealed Documents
To unseal case documents, media must file a motion to intervene in the case. Refer to Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure (FRAP), Circuit Rule 27-13. Sealed Documents . (PDF)
Judicial Vacancies and Nominations
The court posts information about the judgeship vacancies and nominations for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the 15 federal district courts within the circuit.
Contact Us
The Ninth Circuit Public Information staff handles media questions, community outreach, and the circuit’s annual report. They cannot provide case-specific details, handle state court matters, or give legal advice.
Media requests: mediarelease@ce9.uscourts.gov
Useful Links
Read about the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, courthouse locations, and hours.
The Courts of the Ninth Circuit site includes a list of circuit court locations, information about judgeships, jury instructions, Ninth Circuit Criminal Justice Act unit, annual reports, and how to report judicial misconduct.
The glossary of legal terms provides short definitions of common legal terms used at this court.
A Journalist’s Guide to the Federal Judiciary provides information about the court’s role and structure, a court directory, and how to access court documents.
The District and Bankruptcy Courts provides a listing of district and bankruptcy courts in the circuit and how decisions can be accessed.