The tradition of courtroom sketching continues to thrive in the United States and the United Kingdom, where photography remains restricted in many judicial settings. Artists use pencils, ballpoint pens, and ink to quickly document proceedings, often emphasizing emotional intensity over photographic realism.
Bill Robles stands out as a classic American courtroom artist whose works feature frequent use of blue tones. His sketches of the Charles Manson trial, including the moment Manson lunged at Judge Older, brought widespread attention to the genre. Robles also captured high-profile cases involving O. J. Simpson and Michael Jackson.
Jane Rosenberg rose from drawing street caricatures to becoming a leading figure in modern courtroom art. She has sketched defendants such as Harvey Weinstein, Donald Trump, and Nicolás Maduro, and her presence in court has become a notable marker of major proceedings.
Arnold Mesches combined art with activism, creating works protesting the Rosenberg espionage trial in the 1940s. Later in life he discovered extensive FBI surveillance files on himself after submitting a freedom-of-information request. He also appeared in the film Planet of the Apes as a symbolic nod to courtroom sketching.
Joseph Papin is recognized for his expressive style using chalk and ink in brown and gray tones. He often draws from an elevated perspective and produced a memorable triptych of teacher Jean Harris during her trial.
In the United Kingdom, Priscilla Coleman employs a distinctive technique of recording detailed notes during hearings and then sketching from memory afterward, since no visual recording of any kind is permitted inside or near court buildings. Her approach reflects the stricter British rules on courtroom documentation compared with the United States.
