(a) Broadcasts, Photography, and Use of Cameras during Court Proceedings.
(1) Photography and Electronic Recording Prohibited. The taking of still or
moving photographs and/or the audio recording of any Court proceedings in the courtroom or in
the corridors immediately adjacent thereto, during the progress of judicial proceedings or during
any recess, is prohibited. Such prohibition includes, but is not limited to, the transmittal or sound
recording of such proceedings for broadcast by radio, television, internet, and social or any other
media.
(2) Exceptions for Ceremonial and Educational Proceedings. Ceremonial
proceedings, such as administration of oaths of office, presentation of portraits, investitures, and
similar occasions, may be photographed, broadcast, or televised from the courtroom with the
permission and under the supervision of the Court. Seminars conducted in the courtroom, such as
Continuing Legal Education seminars, may also be recorded and broadcast by the program sponsor
under the Court’s supervision.
(3) Naturalization Proceedings. During Naturalization Proceedings,
participants, spectators, and the media may bring cameras and cell phone cameras into the
courthouse and use such devices during the ceremonies. Such devices are, however, subject to
screening by a United States Marshal or Court Security Officer.
(b) Cell Phones, Computers, and Other Electronic Devices.
(1) Persons Permitted to Bring Electronic Devices Into the Courthouse. The
following persons may bring computers, cell phones, and similar electronic devices (hereinafter
“devices”) into the courthouse after such devices have been screened by the United States Marshal
Service or a Court Security Officer: (1) attorneys; (2) paralegals; (3) federal employees; (4) law
firm staff when accompanied by an attorney; (5) state, county, or tribal law enforcement or
emergency services personnel on official business; (6) jurors who have been selected to serve on
a jury; (7) invited guests of the Court for ceremonial proceedings; and (8) service and delivery
personnel. Where a pro se litigant needs to use a personal device during Court proceedings, the
litigant should contact the Clerk of Court in advance of that proceeding to secure permission from
the Court.
(2) Prohibited Use. Unless otherwise permitted by this Rule, all devices must
be powered off in the courtroom. No device shall be used to record Court proceedings under any
circumstances. Use of such devices for voice or video communication from the courtroom or from
the corridors near courtrooms is prohibited. Use of devices for purposes of streaming of audio
and/or video and for gaming is also prohibited. Improper use may be treated as a contempt of
Court.
(3) Permitted Use. Where a permitted device has been brought into the
courthouse by a permitted person, a device may be used in conjunction with a proceeding, in
preparation for an upcoming proceeding, and to work on other matters while waiting for upcoming
proceedings. Use of devices to communicate by e-mail, texting, and instant messaging is permitted
if the use is not disruptive.
Advisory Committee Notes
This new Rule, drafted by the Local Rules Courtroom Technology Subcommittee, generally
prohibits disruptive or unlawful uses of electronic devices while allowing authorized persons to
work on their devices in a non-disruptive manner while awaiting upcoming proceedings.
LOCAL RULES GOVERNING CRIMINAL CASES
