a. Cameras Generally Prohibited. Unless authorized by a judicial officer, and except
as permitted in subparagraph (b), a device whose exclusive or principal use is as a
camera or video recorder may not be brought into or used in the courthouse of
the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands. “Courthouse” includes all
courtrooms, the grand jury room, and the entire first and second floors of the
Horiguchi Building.
b. Exception for Ceremonies. A device whose exclusive or principal use is as a
camera or video recorder may be brought into the courthouse and used in the
courtrooms during naturalization ceremonies, weddings, and other such events, as
authorized by a judicial officer and subject to any restrictions deemed necessary by
court security.
c. Permissible Devices. After a person has cleared court security, an electronic device,
including but not limited to a cellular telephone, a smartphone, a laptop computer,
an electronic tablet, or a personal data assistant (PDA), regardless of the
technology used or the name by which the device is marketed, may be brought
into the courthouse, including the public areas of the courtrooms.
d. Impermissible Uses of Permissible Devices. A person must not use a permissible
device defined in subparagraph (c) to take photographs or to make audio or video
recordings in the courthouse, including the public areas of the courtrooms. A
person must not use a permissible device defined in subdivision (c) to take
photographs or to make audio or video recordings in any courtroom or chambers
except as authorized by the judicial officer having direct control of that space.
e. Sanctions for Violations. Violation of this rule may constitute contempt of court
punishable by incarceration and the imposition of fines, costs, and attorney fees.
The Court authorizes the following agencies and those under contract employment
of such agencies to maintain the security of district court spaces:
1. United States Marshals Service;
2. United States Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective
Service; and
3. United States General Services Administration.
The authority to maintain security through the enforcement of this rule may involve
taking possession of the device, searching the device and its contents, and preserving,
copying, transferring, or deleting unauthorized video or audio recordings or photographs
of court operations, proceedings, or facility space from electronic devices with or without
the cooperation of a person found to be in possession of the device. A judicial officer
may take action to enforce this rule or to sanction a violator.
