The district judge overseeing the state of Oklahoma's lawsuit against several makers of opioid drugs has ruled that video cameras will be allowed inside the courtroom.
Cleveland County District Judge Thad Balkman issued his order in the matter on Tuesday.
The Oklahoma Publishing Company, which owns The Oklahoman newspaper, had sought to allow cameras inside the courtroom.
Cameras aren't commonly allowed inside courtrooms in Oklahoma, but Balkman noted the issues presented in the case are "of great importance to the citizens of Oklahoma."
Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter sued several opiate manufacturers last year, alleging fraudulent marketing of drugs that fueled the opioid epidemic. The drug companies acknowledge opioid abuse is a serious health issue, but deny wrongdoing.