FILED
Oct 24 2024
United States District Court
Northern District of Ohio
General Order
AMENDED GENERAL ORDER NO. 2003-14
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
)
IN RE: MEDIA GUIDELINES ) ORDER NO. 2003-14-4
)
The applicable Media Guidelines governing each Court location in the Northern
District of Ohio are set forth herein.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
FOR THE COURT
Sara Lioi
Chief Judge
United States District Court
Northern District of Ohio at Akron
John F. Seiberling Federal Building and United States Courthouse
Two South Main Street
Akron, OH 44308
MEDIA GUIDELINES
1. Website: Check the Court’s website (www.ohnd.uscourts.gov) frequently
for information pertaining to schedules, notices, and orders and filings. Many
case-related documents can be obtained over the Internet through the Court’s electronic
filing system. See Section 8 below for more details.
2. Press Room: Courtroom 442 has been designated as the temporary
Press Room in this Courthouse. The room is basic and is not equipped with any special
facilities. The Press Room will be open between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, unless specified otherwise by the Court. Absent court order, media
representatives are not permitted in the Courthouse, including the Press Room, outside
of normal court hours.
3. Equipment:
(a) Cameras and recording equipment of any kind are not permitted
anywhere in the courthouse. See also Local Criminal Rule 53.1 and Local Civil Rule
83.1. Violations may result in seizure of the equipment.
(b) In an effort to advance the goals of Federal Criminal Rule 53, no
broadcasting of any kind may be done from inside the courthouse. This includes
posting on social media, blogging, and any other direct, real-time dissemination of
information to a general or public audience.
(c) Unless directed otherwise, cell phones are permitted in the
courthouse but must be turned off, and remain off, whenever in or near courtrooms.
(d) Media members are permitted to use their laptops in the courtroom,
but only for the limited purpose of taking notes. Laptops may not be used for any
other purpose inside the courtroom. Any unauthorized use will result in removal from
the courtroom or loss of the privilege to use a laptop.
4. Location of Media Communication Vehicles: Because no parking
(except for authorized law enforcement vehicles) is permitted around the perimeter of
the John F. Seiberling Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse on Dart Street and Market
Street, parking locations of communication vehicles and other media vehicles should be
arranged by media organizations through the Akron Police Department.
5. Interviews: Interviews may be conducted on the East Plaza on Main
Street. No vehicles, cameras, cables, or other equipment may block entrances or exits
from the Courthouse, including the main entrance, all emergency exits and all vehicle
driveways. Care should be taken that pedestrian traffic along the sidewalks is not
impeded. Interviews are not permitted in the Akron Courthouse.
6. Communications with Jurors: Media representatives shall not
communicate with a prospective or selected juror, or his/her family, until after the juror
has been discharged. Even then, jurors may elect to maintain their privacy.
Media representatives are prohibited from communicating at any time with
grand jurors about any matter which occurred or may occur before the grand
jury, including after the grand jury has completed its service. Media
representatives are prohibited from entering the jury check-in area on the fifth floor, the
jury assembly areas, and the jury deliberation room at any time during jury selection
and trial.
7. Sketch Artists: Sketch artists rendering drawings of court proceedings
are prohibited from drawing detailed sketches of any member of the jury or minor
(non-adult) witnesses. Silhouettes with no distinguishing features, however, are
permitted.
8. Court Transcripts: Same-day transcripts of proceedings may be
obtained if arranged 24 hours in advance, including payment of charges, with the Court
Reporter assigned to the proceeding. Transcript Order Forms are available on the
Court’s website or from the Clerk’s Office. See also Local Criminal Rule 57.20 and
Local Civil Rule 80.1.
8. Electronic Access to Court Records: Up-to-the-second docket sheets
and documents for most pending civil and criminal cases are available electronically
through this Court's Case Management / Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) system.
Online access can be obtained through CM/ECF which contains docket sheets for
nearly all civil and criminal cases filed in the Northern District of Ohio since 1990. In
addition, the system provides access to individual documents for most civil cases filed
since June 1, 2000 and most criminal case documents filed May 1, 2005 or later.
A PACER user account is required to access the system. Fees apply for most
documents. For information on obtaining a PACER account or questions regarding
PACER fees contact:
PACER Service Center
P.O. Box 780549
San Antonio, TX 78278
(800) 676-6856 or (210) 301-6440
http://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov/
9. Copy Requests: Requests for copies of orders, pleadings, and other
filings can be made on this Court’s website, by mail, or in person at all our court
locations. The cost is 50 cents per page if copied or printed by Clerk’s Office staff.
Self-serve copies printed via the public access terminal are 10 cents per page.
10. Messages: Court staff will not take or deliver messages for media
representatives.
11. Courthouse Security: For security purposes, all persons entering the
courthouse are required to pass through an electronic metal detector before gaining
access to the building and to submit to a reasonable search of person and/or property.
All packages, bags, parcels, briefcases and other items shall be submitted for
inspection upon entry to the courthouse. See also Local Criminal Rule 57.4 and Local
Civil Rule 83.4.
12. Courtroom and Courthouse Decorum:
As stated in Local Criminal Rule 57.3 and Local Civil Rule 83.3:
(a) No loitering, sleeping, or disorderly conduct is permitted in any
Court buildings.
(b) No food, drink, cards, placards, signs or banners are permitted in
any courtroom or adjoining areas, except as permitted by the Court.
13. Compliance: Failure to comply with these Guidelines may result in
sanctions for a media representative and/or the organization he or she represents,
including seizure of equipment. Court security officers and U.S. Marshals will enforce
these Guidelines. See also Local Criminal Rule 57.4 and Local Civil Rule 83.4.
Further, this Court reserves the right to use its full contempt powers to enforce these
Guidelines, and where appropriate refer a violation to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Revised 10/24/2024
United States District Court
Northern District of Ohio at Cleveland
Carl B. Stokes United States Court House
801 W. Superior Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44113
MEDIA GUIDELINES
1. Website: Check the Court’s website (www.ohnd.uscourts.gov) frequently
for information pertaining to schedules, notices, and orders and filings. Many
case-related documents can be obtained over the Internet through the Court’s electronic
filing system. See Section 8 below for more details.
2. Equipment:
(a) Cameras and recording equipment of any kind are not permitted
anywhere in the courthouse. See also Local Criminal Rule 53.1 and Local Civil Rule
83.1. Violations may result in seizure of the equipment.
(b) In an effort to advance the goals of Federal Criminal Rule 53, no
broadcasting of any kind may be done from inside the courthouse. This includes
posting on social media, blogging, and any other direct, real-time dissemination of
information to a general or public audience.
(c) Unless directed otherwise, cell phones are permitted in the
courthouse but must be turned off, and remain off, whenever in or near courtrooms.
(d) Media members are permitted to use their laptops in the courtroom,
but only for the limited purpose of taking notes. Laptops may not be used for any
other purpose inside the courtroom. Any unauthorized use will result in removal from
the courtroom or loss of the privilege to use a laptop.
3. Press Room: Room 109 has been designated as the Press Room in this
Court House. The room is basic and is not equipped with any special facilities. The
Press Room will be open between the hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, unless specified otherwise by the Court. Absent court order, media
representatives are not permitted in the Court House, including the Press Room,
outside of normal court hours.
4. Location of Media Communication Vehicles: Because no parking
(except for authorized law enforcement vehicles) is permitted around the perimeter of
the Carl B. Stokes U.S. Court House, parking locations of communication vehicles and
other media vehicles should be arranged by media organizations through the Cleveland
Police Department.
5. Interviews: Interviews may be conducted on the Huron Road sidewalk to
the right of the Court House steps as you exit the building. No vehicles, cameras,
cables, or other equipment may block entrances or exits from the Court House,
including the main entrance, all emergency exits and all vehicle driveways. Care should
be taken that pedestrian traffic along the sidewalks is not impeded. Interviews are not
permitted in the Cleveland Court House.
6. Communications with Jurors: Media representatives shall not
communicate with a prospective or selected juror, or his/her family, until after the juror
has been discharged. Even then, jurors may elect to maintain their privacy.
Media representatives are prohibited from communicating at any time with
grand jurors about any matter which occurred or may occur before the grand
jury, including after the grand jury has completed its service. Media
representatives are prohibited from entering the jury department, the jury assembly
areas, the grand jury areas, and the jury deliberation room at any time during jury
selection and trial.
7. Sketch Artists: Sketch artists rendering drawings of court proceedings
are prohibited from drawing detailed sketches of any member of the jury or minor
(non-adult) witnesses. Silhouettes with no distinguishing features, however, are
permitted.
8. Court Transcripts: Same-day transcripts of proceedings may be
obtained if arranged twenty-four hours in advance, including payment of charges, with
the Court Reporter assigned to the proceeding. Transcript Order Forms are available
on the Court’s website or from the Clerk’s Office. See also Local Criminal Rule 57.20
and Local Civil Rule 80.1.
9. Electronic Access to Court Records: Up-to-the-second docket sheets
and documents for most pending civil and criminal cases are available electronically
through the Court's Case Management / Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) system.
Online access can be obtained through CM/ECF which contains docket sheets for
nearly all civil and criminal cases filed in the Northern District of Ohio since 1990. In
addition, the system provides access to individual documents for most civil cases filed
since Jun 1, 2000 and most criminal case documents filed May 1, 2005 or later.
A PACER user account is required to access the system. Fees apply for most
documents. For information on obtaining a PACER account or questions regarding
PACER fees contact:
PACER Service Center
P.O. Box 780549
San Antonio, TX 78278
(800) 676-6856 or (210) 301-6440
http://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov/
10. Copy Request: Requests for copies of orders, pleadings, and other
filings can be made on this Court’s website, by mail, or in person at all of our court
locations. The cost is 50 cents per page.
11. Messages: Court staff will not take or deliver messages for media
representatives.
12. Court House Security: For security purposes, all persons entering the
Court House are required to pass through an electronic metal detector before gaining
access to the building and to submit to a reasonable search of person and/or property.
Presentation of photo identification will be required. All packages, bags, parcels,
briefcases, and other items shall be submitted for inspection upon entry to the Court
House. See also Local Criminal Rule 57.4 and Local Civil Rule 83.4.
13. Courtroom and Court House Decorum:
As stated in Local Criminal Rule 57.3 and Local Civil Rule 83.3:
(a) No loitering, sleeping, or disorderly conduct is permitted in any
Court buildings.
(b) No food, drink, cards, placards, signs or banners are permitted in
any courtroom or adjoining areas, except as permitted by the Court.
14. Compliance: Failure to comply with these Guidelines may result in
sanctions for a media representative and/or the organization he/she represents,
including seizure of equipment. Court security officers and U.S. Marshals will enforce
these Guidelines. See also Local Criminal Rule 57.4 and Local Civil Rule 83.4.
Further, this Court reserves the right to use its full contempt powers to enforce these
Guidelines, and where appropriate refer a violation to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Revised 10/24/2024
United States District Court
Northern District of Ohio at Toledo
James M. Ashley and Thomas W. L. Ashley U.S. Courthouse
1716 Spielbusch Avenue
Toledo, Ohio 43604
MEDIA GUIDELINES
1. Website: Check this Court’s website (www.ohnd.uscourts.gov)
frequently for information pertaining to schedules, notices, orders, and other filings.
Many case-related documents can be obtained through this Court’s electronic filing
system. See Paragraph 8 below for more details.
2. Equipment:
(a) Cameras and recording equipment of any kind are not permitted
anywhere in the courthouse. See also Local Criminal Rule 53.1 and Local Civil Rule
83.1. Violations may result in seizure of the equipment.
(b) In an effort to advance the goals of Federal Criminal Rule 53, no
broadcasting of any kind may be done from inside the courthouse. This includes
posting on social media, blogging, and any other direct, real-time dissemination of
information to a general or public audience.
(c) Unless directed otherwise, cell phones are permitted in the
courthouse but must be turned off, and remain off, whenever in or near courtrooms.
(d) Media members are permitted to use their laptops in the courtroom,
but only for the limited purpose of taking notes. Laptops may not be used for any
other purpose inside the courtroom. Any unauthorized use will result in removal from
the courtroom or loss of the privilege to use a laptop.
3. Media Room:
(a) When deemed necessary, this Court shall provide a media room
with a live, closed-circuit audiovisual feed of courtroom proceedings.
(b) All the above rules regarding broadcasting and the use of
electronics apply in the media room, with the exception that media personnel may use
their cell phones for the limited purpose of placing and receiving calls. Any
unauthorized use may result in permanent seizure of the equipment, loss of the
privilege to use the media room, or any other sanction this Court finds appropriate.
4. Interviews: Interviews may be conducted on the Spielbusch Avenue
sidewalk in front of the courthouse or in the Civic Center Mall to its rear. No vehicles,
cameras, cables, or other equipment may block entrances to or exits from the
courthouse, including the main entrance, back entrance, all emergency exits, and the
vehicle driveways. Care should be taken so that pedestrian traffic along the sidewalks
is not impeded. Media are not allowed at any point along the fenced parking lot.
Interviews are not permitted in the Toledo courthouse.
5. Communications with Jurors: Media representatives shall not
communicate with a prospective or selected juror, or his/her family, until after the juror
has been discharged. Even then, jurors may elect to maintain their privacy.
Media representatives are prohibited from communicating at any time with
grand jurors about any matter which occurred or may occur before the grand
jury, including after the grand jury has completed its service. Media
representatives are prohibited from entering the jury commissioner’s office, the jury
assembly areas, the grand jury room, the hallway and lobby adjacent to the grand
jury room, and any jury-deliberation room and adjacent corridors at any time during jury
selection and trial.
6. Sketch Artists: Sketch artists rendering drawings of court proceedings
are prohibited from drawing detailed sketches of any member of the jury or minor
(non-adult) witnesses. Silhouettes with no distinguishing features, however, are
permitted.
7. Court Transcripts: Same-day transcripts of proceedings may be
obtained if arranged twenty-four hours in advance, including payment of charges, with
the Court Reporter assigned to the proceeding. Transcript Order Forms are available
on this Court’s website or from the Clerk’s Office. See also Local Criminal Rule 57.20
and Local Civil Rule 80.1.
8. Electronic Access to Court Records: Up-to-the-second docket sheets
and documents for most pending civil and criminal cases are available electronically
through this Court’s Case Management / Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) system.
Online access can be obtained through CM/ECF which contains docket sheets for
nearly all civil and criminal cases filed in the Northern District of Ohio since 1990. In
addition, the system provides access to individual documents for most civil cases filed
since June 1, 2000 and most criminal case documents filed May 1, 2005 or later.
A PACER user account is required to access the system. Fees apply for most
documents. For information on obtaining a PACER account or questions regarding
PACER fees contact:
PACER Service Center
P.O. Box 780549
San Antonio, TX 78278
(800) 676-6856 or (210) 301-6440
http://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov/
9. Copy Requests: Requests for copies of orders, pleadings, and other
filings can be made on this Court’s website, by mail, or in person at all our court
locations. The cost is 50 cents per page.
10. Messages: Court staff will not take or deliver messages for media
representatives.
11. Courthouse Security: For security purposes, all persons entering the
courthouse are required to pass through an electronic metal detector before gaining
access to the building and to submit to a reasonable search of person and/or property.
Presentation of photo identification will be required. All packages, bags, parcels,
briefcases, and other items shall be submitted for inspection upon entry to the
courthouse. See also Local Criminal Rule 57.4 and Local Civil Rule 83.4.
12. Courtroom and Courthouse Decorum:
As stated in Local Criminal Rule 57.3 and Local Civil Rule 83.3:
(a) No loitering, sleeping, or disorderly conduct is permitted
in any Court buildings.
(b) No food, drink, cards, placards, signs, or banners are
permitted in any courtroom or adjoining areas, except as
permitted by the Court.
13. Compliance: Failure to comply with these Guidelines may result in
sanctions for a media representative and/or the organization he/she represents,
including seizure of equipment. Court security officers and U.S. Marshals will enforce
these Guidelines. See also Local Criminal Rule 57.4 and Local Civil Rule 83.4.
Further, this Court reserves the right to use its full contempt powers to enforce these
Guidelines, and where appropriate refer a violation to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Revised 10/24/2024
United States District Court
Northern District of Ohio at Youngstown
Thomas D. Lambros United States Courthouse
125 Market Street
Youngstown, Ohio 44503
MEDIA GUIDELINES
1. Website: Check the Court’s website (www.ohnd.uscourts.gov) frequently
for information pertaining to schedules, notices, and orders and filings. Many
case-related documents can be obtained over the Internet through the Court’s electronic
filing system. See Section 6 below for more details.
2. Equipment:
a) Cameras and recording equipment of any kind are not permitted
anywhere in the courthouse. See also Local Criminal Rule 53.1 and Local Civil Rule
83.1. Violations may result in seizure of the equipment.
(b) In an effort to advance the goals of Federal Criminal Rule 53, no
broadcasting of any kind may be done from inside the courthouse. This includes
posting on social media, blogging, and any other direct, real-time dissemination of
information to a general or public audience.
(c) Unless directed otherwise, cell phones are permitted in the
courthouse but must be turned off, and remain off, whenever in or near courtrooms.
(d) Media members are permitted to use their laptops in the courtroom,
but only for the limited purpose of taking notes. Laptops may not be used for any
other purpose inside the courtroom. Any unauthorized use will result in removal from
the courtroom or loss of the privilege to use a laptop.
3. Interviews: Interviews may be conducted on the Market Street Plaza or
on the Plaza on E. Front Street. No vehicles, cameras, cables, or other equipment may
block entrance to or exit from the courthouse, including the main entrance, all
emergency exits and the vehicle driveways. Care should be taken that pedestrian traffic
along the sidewalks is not impeded. Interviews are not permitted in the Youngstown
Courthouse.
4. Communications with Jurors: Media representatives shall not
communicate with a prospective or selected juror, or his/her family, until after the juror
has been discharged. Even then, jurors may elect maintain their privacy.
Media representatives are prohibited from communicating at any time with
grand jurors about any matter which occurred or may occur before the grand
jury, including after the grand jury has completed its service. Media
representatives are prohibited from entering the jury commissioner’s office, the jury
assembly areas, the grand jury room, the hallway and lobby adjacent to the grand
jury room, and any jury-deliberation room and adjacent corridors at any time during jury
selection and trial.
5. Sketch Artists: Sketch artists rendering drawings of court proceedings
are prohibited from drawing detailed sketches of any member of the jury or minor
(non-adult) witnesses. Silhouettes with no distinguishing features, however, are
permitted.
6. Court Transcripts: Same-day transcripts of proceedings may be
obtained if arranged twenty-four hours in advance, including payment of charges, with
the Court Reporter assigned to the proceeding. Transcript Order Forms are available on
this Court’s website or from the Clerk’s Office. See also Local Criminal Rule 57.20 and
Local Civil Rule 80.1.
7. Electronic Access to Court Records: Up-to-the-second docket sheets
and documents for most pending civil and criminal cases are available electronically
through this Court’s Case Management / Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) system.
Online access can be obtained through CM/ECF which contains docket sheets for
nearly all civil and criminal cases filed in the Northern District of Ohio since 1990. In
addition, the system provides access to individual documents for most civil cases filed
since June 1, 2000 and most criminal case documents filed May 1, 2005 or later.
A PACER user account is required to access the system. Fees apply for most
documents. For information on obtaining a PACER account or questions regarding
PACER fees contact:
PACER Service Center
P.O. Box 780549
San Antonio, TX 78278
(800) 676-6856 or (210) 301-6440
http://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov/
8. Copy Requests: Requests for copies of orders, pleadings, and other
filings can be made on this Court’s website, by mail, or in person at all our court
locations. The cost is 50 cents per page.
9. Messages: Court staff will not take or deliver messages for media
representatives.
10. Courthouse Security: For security purposes, all persons entering the
courthouse are required to pass through an electronic metal detector before gaining
access to the building and to submit to a reasonable search of person and/or property.
Presentation of photo identification will be required. All packages, bags, parcels,
briefcases, and other items shall be submitted for inspection upon entry to the
courthouse. See also Local Criminal Rule 57.4 and Local Civil Rule 83.4.
11. Courtroom and Courthouse Decorum:
As stated in Local Criminal Rule 57.3 and Local Civil Rule 83.3:
(a) No loitering, sleeping, or disorderly conduct is permitted
in any Court buildings.
(b) No food, drink, cards, placards, signs, or banners are
permitted in any courtroom or adjoining areas, except as
permitted by the Court.
12. Compliance: Failure to comply with these Guidelines may result in
sanctions for a media representative and/or the organization he/she represents,
including seizure of equipment. Court security officers and U.S. Marshals will enforce
these Guidelines. See also Local Criminal Rule 57.4 and Local Civil Rule 83.4.
Further, this Court reserves the right to use its full contempt powers to enforce these
Guidelines, and where appropriate refer a violation to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Revised 10/24/2024
