Metro Justice Building Audio Streaming

All non-confidential court proceedings have been open to the public and fully accessible to the participants and the public since February 18, 2022. The Court originally implemented audio livestreaming as an emergency and temporary measure to provide the public with remote access to non-confidential proceedings during the pendency of the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person access to court facilities and proceedings was restricted due to social distancing and other public health measures. Now that Court proceedings may take place in person, without restriction, livestreaming access is no longer required. Conducting proceedings in person and without livestreaming helps (1) ensure that witnesses feel free to testify uninhibited and without interruption; (2) maintain the security of court proceedings against unauthorized recordings and leaks; and (3) ensure the dignity and decorum of the courtroom setting.

1. If, despite the fully accessible nature of the courthouses, a member of the public has a need to access the proceedings remotely via audio livestreaming or video, the individual may submit mandatory Local Form KRN SUP CRT MI-0315 no less than five (5) court days prior to the date of the scheduled matter. Forms can be emailed to MetroCourtAccess@kern.courts.ca.gov Forms filed outside the five (5) court day window will be considered if good cause for the delay in submission of the form is shown.
2. A judicial officer will issue an order on the request for audio livestreaming and/or video remote access. If the request is granted, the audio livestream for the particular courtroom will be available on the court’s website under “Remote Court Hearings,” under the courtroom (Department or Division) for which access was granted.
3. Even after a court order is issued, each judge retains the discretion and authority to refuse, limit or terminate audio live streaming, for portions of proceedings, pursuant to the factors and prohibitions articulated in California Rules of Court, rule 1.150 and in consideration of other statutory and constitutional provisions.
4. The livestreamed court proceedings may not be photographed, recorded (audio or video), or re-broadcast by anyone without prior written judicial authorization consistent with California Rules of Court, rule 1.150, and Kern County Superior Court Standing Order 19-0005.
5. Violation of this order of the Court is punishable as contempt pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure § 1209.

Before joining a Zoom courtroom hearing please read the full documentation by clicking here . If you have any questions after reading the documentation please click the 'court location information' link.