Personally I think if an artist is allowed then why not a photographer, but heh we have some old fashioned laws still in place

This is an example of what I'm talking about Woolwich pair remanded in custody

No, I've seen that done here, as well. I assumed it's because cameras aren't permitted in certain courtrooms. Course that's something most likely dictated by state laws here, not federal.

Yeah, cameras in courtrooms are relatively new in the US and only some places allow them. You still see courtroom artists here too

Federal courts don't allow cameras, and I think judges usually can ban cameras even in places where they might be allowed