Media Requirements and Procedures Revised 090821

Requirements And Procedures For Issuing
Supreme Court Press Credentials
Introduction
The Supreme Court’s Public Information Office (PIO) provides the general public and
professional journalists with information about the Court and its work. Among its many
responsibilities, the PIO administers the Court’s press credentialing process, which includes
issuing hard passes (full-time credentials) and day passes. Although a hard pass may not be
essential for reporting on the Court, it confers privileges that journalists find helpful, including
access to seats in the Courtroom during Court sessions; use of the pressroom facilities and office
resources; assigned personal work space; and access to the Court building after normal business
hours. In addition, the PIO provides credentialed reporters with information and guidance,
beyond what is provided to the public, that facilitates their work. Twenty-seven journalists
currently hold hard passes. The PIO also issues more than 1000 day passes every Court Term,
providing single-day access to the Courtroom and pressroom to individuals seeking to observe a
particular Court session.
The PIO’s seven-member staff must carefully allocate the limited space and resources available
for press usage. The Courtroom has a limited number of seats set aside exclusively for the media,
and the press room has 18 carrels for the media’s use. To ensure efficient allocation of space and
resources, the PIO has traditionally reserved hard passes for full-time professional journalists
employed by media organizations that have records of substantial and original news coverage of
the Court and a demonstrated need for regular access to the Court’s press facilities. The PIO
makes no assessment of the content or quality of a journalist’s coverage in the credentialing
process. But because the Court’s fundamental function is adjudication of important issues, the
PIO must ensure that press credentialing does not create any appearance of partiality or unfair
advantage among litigants or attorneys engaged in the Court’s judicial processes. And because a
press credential provides access to non-public spaces, the PIO must also be attentive to security
concerns.
To better meet those demands and the needs of journalists, to provide greater transparency about
the credentialing process, and to address changes in the journalism profession, the PIO adopted
new requirements and procedures for issuing Supreme Court hard passes and day passes in
February 2015. Commentary is included to explain the rationale for the requirements and
procedures and to guide their interpretation. All current holders of hard passes are required to
submit applications to renew their credentials for the next term by August 1.

Requirements for Issuing Supreme Court Press Credentials.
Hard Passes. To qualify for a hard pass, an applicant must demonstrate:
The applicant is a full-time journalist;
The applicant operates or is employed by a media organization, and the

applicant’s primary professional work is for the media organization
through which the applicant seeks a hard pass;
The applicant or the applicant’s media organization has a record of substantial and
original news coverage of the work of the Court;
The applicant will be present at the Court regularly for reporting purposes;
The applicant does not practice law before the Court and is independent of
individuals and entities that practice law before the Court; and
The applicant has not been employed by the Court during the two years preceding
the application for a hard pass.
Day Passes. To qualify for a day pass, an applicant must demonstrate:
The applicant is a journalist affiliated with a media organization or, as space

allows, a writer who is not affiliated with a media organization; and
The applicant has a need to report from the Court on, or to observe, a particular
Court session.
Exceptions. Applicants may be relieved of the need to meet the requirements listed
above when necessary to address new or unanticipated situations, to prevent
undue hardship, or to ensure fairness in the application of these requirements.
2
Procedures for Issuing Supreme Court Press Credentials.
Hard Passes. Individuals interested in applying for a full-time press credential from the
Court should first contact the PIO at (202) 479-3211.
An applicant for a hard pass must submit a written application provided by the
PIO that will require the following information:
The applicant’s full name, affiliation, and contact information;
A statement that the applicant meets the requirements for issuance of the
hard pass; and
Documentation that the applicant meets the requirements for issuance of

the hard pass.
By August 1 of every year, a holder of a hard pass must apply to renew his or her
credential. The applicant should submit applications to
[email protected].
Holders of hard passes must immediately inform the PIO when any requirement
for a press credential is no longer satisfied.
If the PIO denies an application for a hard pass, it will provide a written statement
of the basis for its decision. Before suspending or revoking a hard pass,
the PIO will notify the holder, allow an opportunity to respond, and
provide a written statement of the basis for its decision.
Supreme Court Hard Pass Application
Day Passes. Individuals interested in obtaining a day pass to cover a Court session
should contact the PIO at (202) 479-3211. Seating in the Courtroom is limited
and is provided on an as-available basis.

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Media Requirements and Procedures Revised 090821

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Requirements And Procedures For Issuing

Supreme Court Press Credentials

Hard Passes. To qualify for a hard pass, an applicant must demonstrate:

The applicant is a full-time journalist;

The applicant operates or is employed by a media organization, and the

Day Passes. To qualify for a day pass, an applicant must demonstrate:

The applicant is a journalist affiliated with a media organization or, as space

The applicant’s full name, affiliation, and contact information;

Documentation that the applicant meets the requirements for issuance of

Supreme Court Hard Pass Application

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