BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Kern County Superior Court announced Tuesday its decision to begin streaming audio live streams of all non-confidential criminal and civil proceedings.

The live streams will be available through the court website starting Thursday.

Users of the Court’s audio streaming service are reminded of the general prohibition against the photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings.

The new order comes amid a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and the First Amendment Coalition claiming Kern County Superior Court officials denied the public and press access to court proceedings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawsuit was filed with the U.S. District Court in Fresno.

The lawsuit asks a federal judge to require the Kern County Superior Court to allow in-public access consistent with social distancing and a viable alternative method for remote access.