Colorado Supreme Court Pauses Mandatory Courtroom Livestreams Amid Harassment Concerns
The Colorado Supreme Court has paused mandatory livestreams of courtroom proceedings for 90 days. This decision, prompted by concerns over social media harassment and fairness, allows judges to opt out of streaming by default, reversing a previous law.
Denver, CO, September 18, 2026 —
The Colorado Supreme Court has issued an order pausing mandatory livestreams of courtroom proceedings for a period of 90 days. This judicial pause, effective immediately, is a response to emerging concerns regarding social media harassment and the broader implications for fairness within the legal system.
The court’s decision effectively reverses a previous law that mandated the streaming of all court proceedings. Under the new order, judges will now have the ability to opt out of streaming court sessions by default. This shift provides judicial officers with greater discretion over which cases are broadcast to the public.
The primary drivers behind this temporary suspension are stated to be concerns over the potential for social media harassment directed at individuals involved in court cases, including parties, witnesses, and legal professionals. Additionally, the court is examining how the widespread availability of livestreamed proceedings impacts the fairness and integrity of the judicial process. The 90-day period is intended to allow for a thorough review and potential recalibration of the state’s policy on open court access via digital means.
The previous law had aimed to increase transparency in the judicial system by making court proceedings more accessible to the public. However, the recent concerns highlight a tension between open access and the protection of participants from undue external pressures and potential misuse of streamed content. The Colorado Supreme Court’s action indicates a commitment to addressing these complex issues before a permanent policy is established or the previous mandate is reinstated.
During this 90-day pause, the court system is expected to gather further input and evaluate the practical challenges and benefits associated with mandatory livestreaming. The outcome of this review will likely shape future policies regarding public access to courtrooms in Colorado.
Story summarized from the original created by Justin George on coloradosun.com, see more information here.
