(a) General Prohibition. An individual may not possess an electronic device beyond
the security checkpoints within any of the courthouses of this judicial district, except as
allowed by this rule. For purposes of this rule, "electronic device" means any portable,
electrical-powered device capable of sending or receiving a wireless signal; storing, sending,
or retrieving electronic data; or having computing capability.
(b) Exception for Court Employees, Law Enforcement Agents, Tenants
and Contractors. The prohibition in paragraph (a) of this rule does not
apply to the possession of electronic devices by:
(i) court employees;
(ii) agents employed by federal law enforcement agencies or officers
assigned to or investigating federal criminal offenses upon
presentation of their credentials;
(iii) employees and visiting employees of courthouse tenant agencies;
and
(iv) contractors approved by the General Services Administration.
(c) Exception for Attorneys. An attorney must execute and comply with an
agreement in the form attached hereto as Appendix IV and must submit the
executed agreement to the local United States Marshal’s Office and Court
Security Officers prior to the attorney’s possession and use of any electronic
devices within the courthouse. Once an attorney has executed and
submitted the agreement, an attorney and his or her assistants may bring
electronic devices into the courthouse, and may use such electronic devices
as follows:
(i) Authorized attorneys and their assistants may use electronic devices
in courtrooms provided that each device is operated silently; is not
used for voice communication, photography, or audio or video
recording; and is not used in a manner that will disrupt any
courtroom proceeding. For example, the ringing of a wireless
telephone in a courtroom during court proceedings is considered
disruptive.
(ii) Authorized attorneys and their assistants may use electronic devices
anywhere in the courthouse so long as such use does not disrupt courtroom
or other official proceedings.
(d) Exception for Jurors. Any seated petit or grand juror may bring electronic
devices into the courthouse during his or her service subject to the following
limitations:
(i) Jurors may only use electronic devices for non-court purposes
during breaks.
(ii) Electronic devices should be turned off or silenced and stored in
designated receptacles when not in use.
(iii) Electronic devices are not allowed in the courtroom.
(e) Photographing; Video and Audio Recording; and Video and Audio
Broadcasting. Individuals, other than court personnel, are prohibited from
using electronic devices while in the courthouse to capture photographs,
record audio or video, or broadcast audio or video recordings, unless
otherwise permitted by order of a United States District, Magistrate or
Bankruptcy Judge.
(f) Enforcement. A violation of this rule will be reported to a judicial officer
for appropriate action or other sanction, including but not limited to the
confiscation of the device, the violator being required to remove the
electronic device from the courthouse, or revocation of the violator's
privilege to bring electronic devices into the courthouse. Violations of any
provision of this rule by an attorney inside a courtroom may result in the
imposition of a fine, revocation of the attorney’s privilege to bring
electronic devices into the courthouse, or other action deemed appropriate
by the judicial officer.
(g) Judicial Discretion. Any presiding judge may modify these procedures or
suspend any person’s privilege granted by this rule at any time for any
reason.
Agreement
Attorney Name:
Firm Name:
Address:
Telephone No.:
B.P.R. No.:
I agree that my possession of any electronic devices beyond the security checkpoints
within courthouses of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of
Tennessee will be in strict compliance with the provisions of E.D. Tenn. LR 83.1 and
this Agreement. I further agree that I will not, while on court premises, allow anyone
else to use any electronic device that I bring or cause to be brought into a district
courthouse except in compliance with E.D. Tenn. LR 83.1. I acknowledge that I have
read and understand E.D. Tenn. LR 83.1.
I understand that any violation of this Agreement may result in the loss of my privilege
to bring electronic devices into any district courthouse, fines, or other appropriate
action, including confiscation of the device.
I understand and agree that United States Deputy Marshals and Court Security Officers
may enforce this Agreement, E.D. Tenn. LR 83. 1 and any other applicable rules and
orders of the Court governing use of electronic devices and may confiscate the device if
they, in their discretion, determine that: (1) there has been a violation of this Agreement,
the foregoing rules, or any other applicable rules and orders of the Court governing
use of electronic devices; or (2) use of the electronic device could pose a threat to
courthouse security.
I understand and agree that the Court may terminate this Agreement and my use of
electronic devices under this Agreement without notice for any reason and in its sole
discretion.
I will provide the United States Marshal's Office and Court Security Officers with a
signed copy of this Agreement prior to my initial use of any electronic device pursuant
to E.D. Tenn. L.R. 83.1.
Attorney Signature
Copies of the foregoing agreement are available on the Court's website and from the
United States Marshal's Office and Court Security Officers.
