Case 2:00-mc-03046-WHA Document 6 Filed 10/10/23 Page 1 of 2
RECEIVED
IN THE UNITED STATES.DISTRICT COURT OCT - 4 2023
FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
Standing Order No. 03a : 00 - rY1c. - CLERK
U.S. DISTRICT COURT
MIDDLE DIST. OF ALA.
ORDER
PHOTOGRAPHY, BROADCASTING, RECORDING,
AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES1
PROHIBITORY RULE: Photography and audio or video recording by any means
inside of any federal courthouse in the Middle District of Alabama (Montgomery, Opelika,
and Dothan), including radio, television, or other broadcasting during the progress or in
connection with judicial proceedings, whether or not court is in session, is prohibited. The
policy includes (1) any courtroom, (2) any portion of the federal courthouse lobby, (3) any
portion of the courthouse corridors, (4) any rooms used for jury assembly or selection, and
(5) the courthouse security screening checkpoints.
DISCRETION TO ALTER: Where the interests of justice or public safety may so
require, the Court may direct the United States Marshal Service to extend the application
of this policy to the curb or edge of the public streets or thoroughfares adjacent to such
buildings if such areas are owned by the United States Government. In exceptional
situations, at the request of the Chief Judge of the Middle District of Alabama, the United
States Marshal Service, or United States Attorney, further limitations on photography,
audio and video recording, and broadcasting may be made to maintain the secrecy of grand
jury proceedings, to protect jurors and witnesses, and to further the interests of justice in
unusual, hazardous, or inflammatory circumstances. Exceptions to ;this prohibitory rule
may be made on a case-by-case basis, but only with the prior express permission of the
Chief Judge of the Middle District of Alabama or United States Marshal for good cause.
EXCEPTIONS: The foregoing notwithstanding, the following exceptions apply:
(1) Photography, broadcasting and audio and video recording will be permitted by the
media and press in certain pre-designated areas on the courthouse grounds, designed as the
"media area," subject to limitations posed for the secrecy of grand jury proceedings, to
protect jurors and witnesses, and to further the interests of justice; (2) Attorneys and
members of their staff may possess and use electronic or photographic devices for the
presentation of evidence; (3) The broadcasting, televising, recording, or photographing of
investitive, ceremonial, or naturalization proceedings may be authorized by the presiding
judge; (4) Cellular telephones, smart devices, and laptop computers may be possessed in
the courtroom and its environs by members of the court family, attorneys; attorneys' staff,
law enforcement personnel, and the press; provided, however, that no photography or audio
1 This Order supersedes the Court's Miscellaneous Order filed on October 6, 2009, relating to photography,
broadcasting, recording, and electronic devices, which is hereby VACATED.
Case 2:00-mc-03046-WHA Document 6 Filed 10/10/23 Page 2 of 2
or video recording is conducted in the courtroom and its environs. Such devices may be
used outside the courtroom and within its environs for communication and access to
information only.
PURPOSE: It is the purpose of this order to preserve and protect the dignity and
solemnity of court proceedings, to promote public safety and the safety of the court and its
personnel, and to facilitate access to court functions by the public and court officers while
allowing the progressive use of electronic devices which will aid in the preparation and
trial of cases and the hearing and resolution of motions and other court matters. Nothing
herein contained shall be construed unreasonably so as to restrict the constitutional rights
of any individual. The environs of the courtroom as defined in this order shall not include
the office of any elected official within any United States courthouse, nor should it include
the office area of any other agency within such buildings where photography, broadcasting,
and recording have been invited or authorized by the person in charge thereof with respect
to a matter which is unrelated to court proceedings or security.
PENALTY: Persons subject to this order may be asked to cease all violations
thereof, and if violations continue after notice to cease have been provided, such persons
may be requested to immediately leave the premises, or if appropriate in the opinion of the
United States Marshal or courthouse security, detained and brought before a judicial officer
of the Middle District of Alabama for further relief including, but not limited to, contempt
of court. Any violation of this policy may also result in the immediate confiscation of the
device. Users of any device may be required to demonstrate that the devices perform their
proper function.
This order shall remain in effect until further order of the court.
APPROVED BY
T ACILITY SECURI TTEE:
DO-3
CT JUDGE
STATES RICT JUDGE
