⚖ Oral Arguments, with Context

The Sixth Circuit hears Samantha Hallman's challenge to restrictions on access to Michigan court recordings. Hallman wanted the audio of her brother's probation hearing after becoming concerned about the judge's treatment of him. The court refused to give her the recording. She was allowed to view videos of other court proceedings, but could not copy or share them without judicial permission. She sued state judges under the First Amendment, and a federal judge dismissed her claims. This appeal raises two related but different questions. Does the public's right to attend an open proceeding also protect access to the court's own recording? And when a court allows a video to be viewed, can it require permission before that video can be shared? The second claim invokes prior restraint, meaning an official restriction on speech before it occurs. The access claim turns partly on experience and logic: the history of public access and whether openness helps the judicial process function. Hallman's side will seek a chance to develop that case. The judges' side will contend that transcripts and open courtrooms satisfy the Constitution, and wider access to recordings is a policy choice.

Samantha Hallman v. Travis Reeds (No. 25-2166) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, argued October 21, 2026.