Pursuant to Local Rule 506, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland has adopted the following policy regarding the use of electronic devices in the courtroom:

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

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.

Additionally, the Court issued Standing Order 2016-05, which revises the Court’s broader policy concerning the use of electronic devices in the courthouse.  Standing Order 2016-05 is available at http://www.mdd.uscourts.gov/standing-orders.