Is the entire court session recorded?

The court has its own video or audio recording of the entire process. In order to maintain court security and order, ensure the normal conduct of court hearing activities, ensure that litigation participants exercise their litigation rights in accordance with the law, facilitate public observation, promote judicial fairness, and demonstrate judicial authority.

Legal Analysis

The court is a specialized place where the People’s Court represents the country to try various cases in accordance with the law. The court is divided into trial activity area and auditorium area, and the two areas are separated by railings. Courts that hear cases involving minors should set up areas and seats based on the physical and mental development characteristics of minors. When there are news media observing or reporting on court hearings, a special media press box can be set up in the listening area. Criminal courts can configure synchronous video testimonial rooms for witnesses, appraisers, and victims who should be protected according to law or otherwise need to be protected to testify in court trials. The court shall set up barrier-free facilities for persons with disabilities; it shall be equipped with collegial panel rooms, lounges for prosecutors, lawyers and other litigation participants, defendant detention rooms and other ancillary places as needed. Persons entering the court must present valid identification documents and undergo security inspection of their persons and belongings. Prosecutors and lawyers carrying valid work certificates and notices to appear in court to perform their duties can enter the court through special channels. If security inspection is required, the People's Court will treat prosecutors and lawyers equally. Except for evidence that needs to be presented in court with the permission of the People's Court, the following items are not allowed to be brought into the court: (1) Guns, ammunition, controlled knives and other lethal instruments; (2) Inflammable and explosive materials, suspected explosives (3) Radioactive, toxic, corrosive, strong-odorous substances and infectious disease pathogens; (4) Liquid, colloidal, and powdery items; (5) Slogans, banners, and leaflets; (6) Other items that may harm the court Items that are security or disruptive to the order of the court. The People's Court shall disclose information such as the number, specific location, and number of auditorium seats of each court to the public through its official website, electronic display screens, bulletin boards, etc.

Legal Basis

Article 10 of the "Court Rules of the People's Court of the People's Republic of China" The People's Court shall videotape or audio-record the entire court hearing.