You are here

Electronic Devices in the Courthouse

Pursuant to Local Rule 506 and Standing Order 2016-05, the Court has adopted the following policy concerning the use of electronic devices in the courthouse by visitors (including prospective jurors, members of the media, and case litigants).  The Court has also adopted a more restrictive policy concerning the use of electronic devices in courtrooms.

  • Visitors to the courthouse and counsel may bring electronic devices into the courthouse provided they have been subject to a security inspection and cleared by security officers upon entrance to the courthouse.

  • By bringing electronic devices into the courthouse, visitors and counsel are on notice that electronic devices may be subject to confiscation and inspection to determine whether there has been a violation of Local Rule 506 or Standing Order 2016-05, and by bringing electronic devices into the courthouse consent to such confiscation and inspection.

  • Visitors to the courthouse and counsel may use cellular phones and transmit wireless data through mobile devices in the public areas of the courthouse provided these devices are not used for taking photographs or any audio or video recording. Members of this Court's Bar may use these devices in the designated attorney lounges.
  • Members of this Court's Bar may access the Wi-Fi connection pursuant to applicable policy restrictions and may use electronic devices subject to the limitations of Rule 506.
  • Visitors to the courthouse must turn off all electronic devices before entering a courtroom and may not use electronic devices in a courtroom without the permission of the presiding judge.
  • Counsel of record in a case may use electronic devices for approved purposes (i.e. to check email or calendars, perform case-related legal research, or otherwise as approved by the presiding judge) during court proceedings while sitting at counsel table.  Otherwise, unless permitted by the presiding judge, electronic devices may not be used in the courtroom, and must be turned off in the courtroom.
  • Use of electronic devices in violation of this policy may subject the device to confiscation and inspection to determine whether court proceedings have been recorded, photographed, broadcast, or transmitted outside of the courtroom.

  • By entering the courtroom with electronic devices, visitors and counsel will be deemed to have consented to the confiscation and inspection of any device to determine whether there has been a violation of the policy.

  • Unless authorized by the presiding judge, court proceedings may not be recorded, photographed, broadcast, or transmitted outside of the courtroom.

  • Selected jurors may use electronic devices in jury rooms except during deliberations, unless otherwise instructed by the presiding judge. Selected jurors may not use electronic devices in the courtroom while court is in session, and grand jurors may not use electronic devices in the grand jury room while the grand jury is in session.

Cameras in the Courthouse

Under Local Rule 506, the Court has generally prohibited any photography, videorecording, audiorecording, broadcasting, or transmission of court proceedings and courthouse spaces.  Cameras, such as on mobile devices, may be brought into the courthouse but visitors may not take photographs or any recordings in the courtrooms or other public spaces of the building.

However, photography is permitted related to naturalization ceremonies and at other ceremonial proceedings when authorized by the presiding officer.  A judge sponsoring an event at the courthouse may also authorize the photographing or recording of courthouse space so long as the photographing or recording is not prohibited by Local Rule 506.1