Rule 16-1 Open Courtrooms

(a) Open courtrooms are an indispensable element of an effective and respected judicial system. It is the policy of Georgia's courts to promote access to and understanding of court proceedings not only by the participants in them but also by the general public and by news media who will report on the proceedings to the public. This must be done, however, while protecting the legal rights of the participants in the proceedings and ensuring appropriate security and decorum.

(b) Except as otherwise required by law, this article shall govern the use of devices to record sounds or images in a courtroom consistent with the standards provided in OCGA § 15-1-10.1 regarding the use of devices to record a judicial proceeding.

(c) This article shall similarly govern the use of electronic devices, including mobile phones and computers, in a courtroom of the Business Court for purposes other than recording sounds and images. Such use shall be generally allowed by lawyers, employees of lawyers, parties, and spectators, including representatives of the news media, but to ensure decorum and avoid distraction, such use shall be generally prohibited by jurors and witnesses. Such persons may, however, use a device outside the courtroom.

(d) The Court shall use reasonable means to advise courtroom visitors of the provisions of this article. The Court shall make the form to request to record Court proceedings, as set forth in BCR 16-5, available in the Clerk's office and on the Court's website.