Regulations on the accreditation of journalists to Valais courts - Purpose

1. This regulation aims to inform the public about the activities of the courts and to protect the parties and individuals involved in the proceedings.

1. This Regulation applies to accredited journalists at the courts of Valais.

2. In this Regulation, any designation of a person, status, or function applies equally to both women and men.

1. Media Professionals Who Wish to Report on the Administration of Justice by the Valais Courts May Submit a Written Application for Accreditation to the General Secretariat. In addition to personal details, the application must include information on the applicant's professional background.

1. The Secretary-General grants accreditation when the conditions for registration in the professional register are met.

2. Accredited media personnel receive a confirmation which includes the duration of the accreditation.

3. The list of accredited media personnel is made known to the courts.

1. **Accreditation remains valid for four years, but no longer than until the end of the administrative period. It can be extended upon request. This request must be submitted at least two months before the accreditation expires.**

2. **The General Secretariat of the Cantonal Court can revoke the accreditation if the journalist no longer meets the accreditation requirements or has seriously violated the rules set for reporting. Such a violation particularly occurs if the journalist:**

a) **has reported in a seriously false manner;**

b) **has disregarded specific court orders or embargo periods;**

c) **has disclosed documents to unauthorized persons;**

d) **has violated Article 152 and the following articles of the Criminal Procedure Code (Victim Protection).**

3. **The courts report such violations to the Secretary General.**

1. In reporting, the legitimate interests of those involved, particularly their personal rights, must be respected. The mention of names should be done with the appropriate discretion.

1. Information requests should generally be directed to the General Secretariat of the Valais Courts. This entity forwards the requests to the competent judge or authority.

2. In special cases, a written request may be required.

3. Information regarding pending cases and the status of proceedings is only provided exceptionally and with the consent of the competent judge or the president.

4. Court secretariats provide information about scheduled public hearings.

1. Image and audio recordings within the courthouse, as well as recordings of proceedings outside the courthouse, are not permitted.

1. The following documents shall be provided to accredited journalists

a) Lists of district court sessions;

b) List of the cantonal court's sessions;

c) Press releases;

d) For public hearings, upon request no later than three days before the hearing at the competent court

1. In criminal cases, the indictment or decisions replacing the indictment must be handed over to accredited media representatives. The criminal complaint and any final report by the investigative authority may also be made available,

2. In civil cases, documents such as legal briefs, expert reports, and judgments may only be handed over to accredited media representatives with the express consent of all involved parties. The consent of the parties must be obtained by the media representatives;

e) The judge may provide judgments or other procedural documents in full or in excerpts;

f) Electronic access to the database with published judgments of the cantonal court;

g) Report on the administration of justice of the Valais courts.

1. Decisions of the Secretary-General may be appealed to the Administrative Commission of the Cantonal Court within 30 days from the date of notification. The Administrative Commission's decision is final.

1. This regulation shall come into force on January 1, 2011.