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Media Guidelines

Email requests should be directed to Washington County Circuit Court Trial Court Administration at wsh.recordsrequest@ojd.state.or.us​.​  Written requests for case record information should include the following information:​
  1. Requester’s Full Name;
  2. Media Agency Name and Address;
  3. Requester’s Email Address and Daytime Phone Number; and,
  4. Description of the case record requested that identifies the record with reasonable specificity, including, when available: (i) party(ies) name, (ii) case number, and (iii) a description of the record or case information requested. 

FREE online access to court calendars and basic case information for the Oregon circuit courts and the Oregon Tax Court is available through OJD Records and Calendar Search. 

For more extensive access to cases and other features, you may be interested in OJCIN OnLine, the paid subscription-based service with access to all courts.

For additional information, see the Oregon Judicial Department’s Online Records Search Quick Reference Guide​. 

​Oregon’s Uniform Trial Court Rule 3.180​ addresses the standard for electronic recording and writing on courthouse premises. 

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Each media agency must complete a Media Request for Electronic Recording and Writing on Courthouse Premises form​ and timely submit it to Washington County Circuit Court Trial Court Administration at wsh.media@ojd.state.or.us, or mail it to:

Richard Moellmer, Trial Court Administrator
Attn: Media Access Request
Washington County Circuit Court
Washington County Courthouse
150 N 1st Avenue MS37
Hillsboro, OR 97124 


Pursuant to Oregon’s Uniform Trial Court Rule 3.180, an “electronic recording” includes “video recording, audio recording, and still photography by cell phone, tablet, computer, camera, tape recorder, or any other means.” “Electronic recording” does not include “electronic writing.”​

Pursuant to Oregon’s Uniform Trial Court Rule 3.180, an “electronic writing” means “the taking of notes or otherwise writing by electronic means and includes but is not limited to the use of word processing software and the composition of texts, emails, and instant messages.”​

​Pursuant to Oregon’s Uniform Trial Court Rule 3.180, an “electronic transmission” means the  “send[ing] [of] an electronic recording or writing, including but not limited to transmission by email, text, or instant message; live streaming; or posting to a social media or networking service.”​

Yes, the following may not be electronically recorded by any person at any time:
  • Proceedings in chambers.
  • Any notes or conversations intended to be private including but not limited to counsel and judges conferring at the bench and conferences involving counsel and their clients.
  • Dissolution, juvenile, paternity, adoption, custody, visitation, support, civil commitment, trade secrets, and abuse, restraining and stalking order proceedings.
  • Proceedings involving a sex crime, if the victim has requested that the proceeding not be electronically recorded.
  • Voir dire (i.e., in court jury selection process).
  • Any juror anywhere under the control and supervision of the court during the entire course of the trial in which the juror sits.
  • Recesses or any other time the court is off the record.

Generally, the court will permit one video camera, one still camera, and one audio recorder in a court proceeding.  However, in its discretion, the court may permit additional electronic recording equipment, provided that:
  • The additional equipment does not interfere with the rights of the parties to a fair trial or affect the presentation of evidence or outcome of the trial; and,
  • Any cost or increased burden resulting from the additional electronic recording equipment does not interfere with the efficient administration of justice.

​Except with the express prior permission of the court, a person may not, electronically record in any area under the control and supervision of the court.