All judicial courtrooms and referee hearing rooms are equipped with video cameras. A videotape record of all court proceedings is produced in this manner.

WHO MAY REQUEST A COPY OF A TAPE OR TRANSCRIPT:

Attorneys and parties to the case may obtain copies of videotapes or transcripts of open court proceedings by following the procedures outlined in this notice. Any other requests will be subject to the discretion of the judge presiding at the hearing. Copies of the tape MAY NOT be given to the media.

Judicial Courtrooms:

Attorneys and parties to the case will be allowed to obtain videotape copies either by simultaneous recording with the master copies or by duplication.

Referee Hearing Rooms:

Referee hearing rooms are not equipped to make simultaneous recordings. However, attorneys and parties to the case may request a copy of the videotape by following the procedures listed in this notice.

CAN I PROVIDE MY OWN TAPE?

For judicial courtrooms you may provide blank videotape when a matter is scheduled. A maximum of one (1) duplicate can be recorded simultaneously with the court's original tapes. You must provide high grade or extra high quality tapes. When checking-in please advise the judicial aide/recorder/domestic clerk that you brought your own tape. When the matter is called, give your tape to the judicial aide/recorder/domestic clerk for insertion in the VCR. When your proceeding concludes, the judicial aide/recorder/domestic clerk will return your tape copy. The court reserves the right to reject poor quality tapes. Additionally, we assume no responsibility for damaged tapes or poor quality reproductions when you provide the tape.

CAN I PURCHASE A BLANK TAPE?

Prior to a court hearing in a judicial courtroom you may purchase a blank videotape for $7.00 from Court Services at either courthouse.

HOW CAN I REQUEST COPIES OF A TAPE?

A request for a copy of a tape must be made in writing, including: name of case, case number, courtroom, date of proceeding, whether you want to pick up the tape or have the duplicate mailed, and a phone number where you can be contacted. There is a $25.00 fee for each date of a requested court event. Checks should be made payable to the "Kalamazoo County Probate Court."

REQUESTING COPY OF VIDEO TAPE

Send your written request and payment to:

Linda Miller
Kalamazoo County Probate Court
150 East Crosstown Parkway
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001

No orders will be taken without prepayment. You will be notified as soon as your copies are ready.Questions may be directed to Linda Miller at (269) 383-8669.