(a) Definition. For purposes of this rule, an electronic communication device includes
any computer, personal digital assistant, cell phone, digital camera or camcorder,
pager, two-way radio, or other electronic communication device.
(b) Who May Possess. Federal law enforcement officers, employees, and tenants of
the courthouse may bring electronic communication devices into the courthouse.
(c) Who May Possess Subject to Screening and Clearance. Possession of electronic
communication devices is otherwise prohibited, except by:
(1) lawyers, including pro hac vice attorneys, who present photo identification
and a current bar registration card from this or any other federal or state
court;
(2) staff in the company of such lawyers; and
(3) court interpreters who come to the federal courthouse to perform
interpreting services and who present photo identification and a current
court interpreter identification card from this court; and
(4) individuals who are granted specific written permission from this court.
All such individuals and electronic communication devices are subject to proper
screening and security clearance before entering the courthouse. Furthermore,
lawyers are responsible for ensuring that their staff comply with all rules regarding
use of electronic communication devices.
(d) Unauthorized Persons and Purposes. No person who is allowed to possess an
electronic communication device in the courthouse may allow it to be used by any
unauthorized person or for any unauthorized purpose.
(e) Use of Devices in the Courtroom. Laptop computers may be used in the
courtroom. Personal digital assistants, cell phones, or other devices to allow
communication may be used in the courtroom only during court recesses or when
authorized by the presiding judge or appropriate staff. No other electronic
communication device may be used in the courtroom except by federal law
enforcement officers and court personnel.
(f) Limit on Use. No electronic communication device may be used in violation of D.
Kan. Rule 83.2.1.
(g) Sanctions. Any electronic communication device used in violation of this rule or
D. Kan. Rule 83.2.1 is subject to immediate, permanent confiscation. In addition,
in the discretion of the court, the violator or other responsible party may be subject
to other sanctions (including financial sanctions).
***
As amended 3/17/11, 3/05 (formerly D. Kan. S.O. 04-3).
New rule adopted 7/9/99.
