Rule 73.5.Conduct in the Court

Last amended July 1, 2026 · Last verified July 1, 2026

In one sentenceRule 73.5 requires proper decorum in probate court, prohibits conduct that interferes with the court’s business, and bars recording, transmitting, or photographing proceedings unless the court consents in advance under the Rules of Superintendence.

Full Text of Rule 73.5

Text sizeJump to: (A) (B)

(A) Proper decorum in the court is necessary to the administration of the court’s function. Any conduct that interferes or tends to interfere with the proper administration of the court’s business is prohibited.

(B) No audio or visual transmission or recording device, other than a device used by a court reporter making a record in a proceeding, or the making or taking of pictures shall be permitted without the express consent of the court in advance and pursuant to Rule 11.00 of the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio.

End

Amendment History

Effective Date: July 1, 2026

Plain-English Summary

Division (A) states the principle: proper decorum is necessary to the court’s work, and any conduct that interferes, or tends to interfere, with the proper administration of the court’s business is prohibited. The rule does not list examples, so the court decides what crosses the line.

Division (B) addresses cameras and microphones. No audio or visual transmission or recording device may be used, and no pictures may be taken, without the court’s express consent given in advance and under Rule 11.00 of the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio. The only device the rule exempts is one a court reporter uses to make the record of a proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record a probate hearing on my phone?

Not without the court’s express consent, given in advance and under Rule 11.00 of the Rules of Superintendence. Rule 73.5(B) covers any audio or visual transmission or recording device and the taking of pictures.

Does the recording ban apply to the court reporter?

No. Rule 73.5(B) exempts a device a court reporter uses to make a record of a proceeding.

What kind of conduct does Rule 73.5 prohibit?

Any conduct that interferes, or tends to interfere, with the proper administration of the court’s business. The rule leaves the specifics to the court.

Source & verification. The rule text, Effective Date, Amended dates, and Staff Notes are reproduced verbatim from the official Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure (Ohio R. Civ. P. 73.5). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Ohio (Ohio Constitution, Art. IV, § 5(B)). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 1, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: courtroom decorumrecording in probate courtcameras in court