Local Rule LCvR 83.3: USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND CAMERAS IN THE COURTHOUSE

LCvR 83.3 USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND CAMERAS IN THE COURTHOUSE

(a) Broadcasts, Photography, and Use of Cameras during Court Proceedings.

(1) Photography and Electronic Recording Prohibited. The taking of still or moving photographs and/or the audio recording of any Court proceedings in the courtroom or in the corridors immediately adjacent thereto, during the progress of judicial proceedings or during any recess, is prohibited. Such prohibition includes, but is not limited to, the transmittal or sound recording of such proceedings for broadcast by radio, television, internet, and social or any other media.

(2) Exceptions for Ceremonial and Educational Proceedings. Ceremonial proceedings, such as administration of oaths of office, presentation of portraits, investitures, and similar occasions, may be photographed, broadcast, or televised from the courtroom with the permission and under the supervision of the Court. Seminars conducted in the courtroom, such as Continuing Legal Education seminars, may also be recorded and broadcast by the program sponsor under the Court's supervision.

(3) Naturalization Proceedings. During Naturalization Proceedings, participants, spectators, and the media may bring cameras and cell phone cameras into the courthouse and use such devices during the ceremonies. Such devices are, however, subject to screening by a United States Marshal or Court Security Officer.

(b) Cell Phones, Computers, and Other Electronic Devices.

(1) Persons Permitted to Bring Electronic Devices Into the Courthouse. The following persons may bring computers, cell phones, and similar electronic devices (hereinafter "devices") into the courthouse after such devices have been screened by the United States Marshal Service or a Court Security Officer: (1) attorneys; (2) paralegals; (3) federal employees; (4) law firm staff when accompanied by an attorney; (5) state, county, or tribal law enforcement or emergency services personnel on official business; (6) jurors who have been selected to serve on a jury; (7) invited guests of the Court for ceremonial proceedings; and (8) service and delivery personnel. Where a pro se litigant needs to use a personal device during Court proceedings, the litigant should contact the Clerk of Court in advance of that proceeding to secure permission from the Court.

(2) Prohibited Use. Unless otherwise permitted by this Rule, all devices must be powered off in the courtroom. No device shall be used to record Court proceedings under any circumstances. Use of such devices for voice or video communication from the courtroom or from the corridors near courtrooms is prohibited. Use of devices for purposes of streaming of audio and/or video and for gaming is also prohibited. Improper use may be treated as a contempt of Court.

(3) Permitted Use. Where a permitted device has been brought into the courthouse by a permitted person, a device may be used in conjunction with a proceeding, in preparation for an upcoming proceeding, and to work on other matters while waiting for upcoming proceedings. Use of devices to communicate by e-mail, texting, and instant messaging is permitted if the use is not disruptive.

Advisory Committee Notes This new Rule, drafted by the Local Rules Courtroom Technology Subcommittee, generally prohibits disruptive or unlawful uses of electronic devices while allowing authorized persons to work on their devices in a non-disruptive manner while awaiting upcoming proceedings.