(a) All broadcasting, photographing and recording, both video and voice, by way of camera, cell
phone or other device, are prohibited throughout the interior of the United States Courthouses in Camden,
Newark and Trenton. This prohibition applies to all persons, whether or not they are engaged in radio, television
or internet broadcasting, blogging or print media, for commercial gain or personal use, and whether or not the
Court is in session. A Judge may, however, permit the use of photographs, video or voice recordings for the
presentation of evidence or the perpetuation of a record. Any exceptions to this rule must be requested in
advance and written permission obtained by the presiding judge and/or tenant agency occupying the space
where the exemption is requested.
(b) In the discretion of any Judge, broadcasting, photographing, audio or videorecording of
investitive, naturalization or ceremonial proceedings in a courtroom may be permitted under such conditions as
the Judge may prescribe.
Amended: July 5, 2018.
CIV. RULE 501.1 POSSESSION AND USE OF ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
(a) Objective
This policy establishes that “Electronic Devices,” as defined herein may be brought into courthouses
subject to all appropriate security screening and that such Electronic Devices must be rendered inoperable in
courtrooms and judicial chambers, unless use is authorized in such areas by the presiding judicial officer. A
significant goal of this policy is to create circuit-wide consistency for the benefit of the public, attorneys and
employees.
(b) Scope
This policy identifies authorized devices, establishes the classes of individuals who may possess
authorized devices, sets out the basis for exceptions to the policy, and specifies guidelines for security screening
and establishing areas where use of electronic devices may be prohibited. The use of electronic devices in
courthouses and courtrooms is subject to existing judiciary court policies regarding inappropriate and
unauthorized activity, including U.S. Judicial Conference prohibition against “broadcasting, televising,
recording or taking photographs in the courtroom and areas immediately adjacent thereto. . . .”
(c) Exception
Nothing in this policy prevents a Judge, on an individual case basis, and with adequate notification, from
temporarily establishing a ban on all Electronic Devices to be carried into a courtroom.
(d) Explanation of Terms
Electronic Devices refers to those devices (both currently available as well as future technology) that have
as their primary function wireless communication, the storage and retrieval of digitized data, and computer
applications.
The list of covered devices includes, but is not limited to, electronic devices that serve as cell phones,
pagers, Palm Pilots/digital assistants, pocket computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, BlackBerries,
wireless network cards, and Internet cards or devices. Devices that serve only as cameras, audio recorders or
video recorders are not covered by this policy, and remain subject to regulation by local court rules and orders.
(e) Authorization
Electronic Devices may be brought into the courthouse, whether in the possession of attorneys, jurors,
court employees, public, or press. Unless specifically authorized by the presiding judicial officers, all
Electronic Devices must be rendered inoperable before entering any courtroom or judicial chambers. Use of
Electronic Devices shall remain subject to Judicial Conference and local court policies regarding inappropriate
use and unauthorized activity.
Permission to carry these devices, with all of the sensitive data they may contain, into the courthouse, is
intended as a convenience to those possessing such devices and to ease the burden on court security staff at
building entrances. This policy is not to be construed as granting permission to use any of these devices. (f)
Enforcement
(1) Physical Security
Current policies regarding physical security will remain in effect. Security officers at courthouse
entrances will screen all Electronic Devices for explosives, weapons, etc. Nothing in this policy is intended to
limit the authority of the security officers to determine the appropriate means of screening Electronic Devices
and to bar the possession of any Electronic Device determined to pose a security threat.
(2) Prohibited Uses
Unless authorized by the presiding judicial officer, all Electronic Devices shall be rendered inoperable
prior to entering any courtroom or judicial chambers. Courts may, by local rule or order, further restrict the use
of any Electronic Devices inside the courthouse.
(A) Notification
Policies proscribing use of Electronic Devices, with appropriate penalties, will be prominently
displayed in the courthouse, on the court’s website, and in mailings to potential jurors and grand
jurors.
The court’s employee handbook will clearly state the use policy pertaining to employees of the
judiciary, including law clerks.
(B) Courtrooms
Unauthorized use of Electronic Devices in courtrooms will be addressed by courtroom security
or court staff pursuant to local regulations.
(C) Jurors
Jurors in possession of Electronic Devices will surrender these devices to court staff prior to
entering the jury room to commence deliberations.
(D) Grand Jurors
Grand jurors in possession of electronic devices will surrender these devices to court staff prior
to entering the Grand Jury room.
(3) Case-by-Case Exceptions
In the event a Judge temporarily establishes a complete ban of any Electronic Device for the duration of
a trial, screening for possession of Electronic Devices will occur, if practicable, in close proximity to the
relevant courtroom, with a portable screening station/magnetometer, or other appropriate device. Additional
security staff should be requested for this function.
(4) Court Security Officers
(A) Physical Security
Court Security Officers (CSOs) will be responsible for physical screening of devices at
courthouse entrances in accordance with policies established by the United States Marshal, and
will be responsible for barring any Electronic Device determined to pose a security threat.
(B) Custodial Duties
CSOs will not have any custodial duties regarding the checking and storing of Electronic
Devices except as may be required on a case-by-case temporary basis as outlined in § VI.(C)
above.
(g) Implementation of This Policy
This policy will be implemented as a Standing Order of the Court with limited or unlimited duration as
the court determines.
Adopted: April 30, 1998. Amended: March 9, 2007.
BANKRUPTCY APPEALS FILED IN THE DISTRICT COURT
