Arizona Supreme Court to clarify criticized rule on photos

The Arizona Supreme Court says it plans to soon clarify a new rule barring people from taking photos outside state appellate courts in Arizona.

The rule issued on Oct. 16 by Chief Justice Robert Brutinel has been criticized for limiting the rights of news organizations.

The rule prohibits photography on the grounds of appellate court buildings in Phoenix and Tucson, including images taken from sidewalks and adjacent parking areas.

The court said late Friday on Twitter that there’s been confusion because the rule “has been interpreted by the public more broadly than intended.”

Supreme Court spokesman Aaron Nash said earlier the ban was intended to guard against disruptions and protect the security and privacy of people attending court proceedings.

The ban doesn’t apply to Superior Courts, which are trial courts.