# The Criminal Procedure Rules 2025, Rule 6.9: Sound recording and electronic communication

Extent: E+W

(1) This rule applies where the court can give permission to—
(a) bring into a hearing for use, or use during a hearing, a device for—
(i) recording sound, or
(ii) communicating by electronic means; or
(b) publish a sound recording made during a hearing.
(2) The court may give such permission—
(a) on application; or
(b) on its own initiative.
(3) A person who wants the court to give such permission must—
(a) apply as soon as reasonably practicable;
(b) notify—
(i) each party, and
(ii) such other person (if any) as the court directs; and
(c) explain why the court should permit the use or publication proposed.
(4) As a condition of the applicant using such a device, the court may direct arrangements to minimise the risk of its use—
(a) contravening a reporting restriction;
(b) disrupting the hearing; or
(c) compromising the fairness of the hearing, for example by affecting—
(i) the evidence to be given by a witness, or
(ii) the verdict of a jury.
(5) Such a direction may require that the device is used only—
(a) in a specified part of the courtroom;
(b) for a specified purpose;
(c) for a purpose connected with the applicant’s activity as a member of a specified group, for example representatives of news-gathering or reporting organisations; or
(d) at a specified time, or in a specified way.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2025/909/rule/6.9 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/criminal-procedure-rules-2025/rule-6.9
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.