(a) General Prohibition
(1) The taking of photographs or the recording of transmission of Court
proceedings2, whether in person or conducted virtually through an online
platform, or the airing of radio, television or internet broadcasts by non-Court
personnel from the floors of the Courthouse occupied by the Courts during the
progress of or in connection with judicial proceedings or grand jury
proceedings, including proceedings before a Magistrate Judge, whether or not
Court is actually in session, are prohibited. In addition, the airing of radio,
television, or internet broadcasts by non-Court personnel of any proceedings
being conducted virtually through an online platform are also prohibited.
(2) An individual may not possess an electronic device beyond the security
checkpoints of the Odell Horton Federal Building, except as described below.
For purposes of this rule, an “electronic device” means any portable
electrically powered device capable of sending or receiving a wireless signal;
storing, sending, or retrieving electronic data; or having computing capability.
(3) Individuals who are allowed to possess an electronic device in the Odell
Horton Federal Building, as described below, must place the device in the
“silence” position at all times. Moreover, the device may only be used in
courtrooms to assist in the performance of court-related business. Electronic
devices may not be initiated, “answered” or examined or manipulated (for text
messaging or otherwise) while in a courtroom unless such use is related to
court business. Electronic devices may NOT be used to take photographs or
audio or video recordings in a courtroom or in any other area of the Building
in which Court business or proceedings are conducted, unless authorized by a
judicial officer, used during designated ceremonies or used by a court
employee for court-related business.
(b) Exceptions
(1) In the Odell Horton Federal Building, the following people are excluded from
the prohibition on possession of electronic devices: badged employees of the
Odell Horton Federal Building (and visitors of such employees under the
supervision of such employees), attorneys appearing in their official capacity as
officers of the Court and staff of such attorneys, law enforcement officers,
parties to litigation (other than in custody criminal defendants) who enter the
Building accompanied by their attorney, if counsel certifies to security staff that
such devices are necessary to facilitate litigation pending before the Court,
parties to litigation who are representing themselves in the proceedings, if they
have a court order that allows possession of electronic devices, and jurors and
members of the media.
Unless specified otherwise, Local Rule 83.2 applies to both the Odell Horton Federal Building in Memphis
and the James D. Todd United States Courthouse in Jackson.
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(2) In the Odell Horton Federal Building, electronic devices may be used in the
courtroom by an attorney, and the attorney’s paralegals and assistants under the
supervision of the attorney, if necessary to the proceeding, including without
limitation, for presentation of evidence during the course of trial, provided that
the attorney ensures that such device is not used for voice communications, is
operated silently, is not used in any manner that will disrupt any courtroom
proceeding, and is not used to photograph, record, or broadcast any aspect of
any proceeding. The presiding Judge retains authority and sole discretion to
disallow use of electronic devices at any time.
(3) Proceedings Other than Judicial Proceedings. Proceedings other than judicial
proceedings, designed and conducted as ceremonies, such as administering
oaths of office to appointed officials of the court, naturalization ceremonies,
presentation of portraits and similar ceremonial occasions, may be
photographed in, or broadcast or televised from, the courtroom with the
permission of the Court.
(c) Enforcement
(1) The United States Marshal and/or Courtroom Security Officers may take
necessary steps to enforce this rule including temporarily seizing the device,
and immediately notifying a judicial officer of any such violation for
appropriate action or sanction. No device shall be searched or reviewed by a
United States Marshal and/or Courtroom Security Officer without consent of
the user or obtaining a search warrant.
(2) All badged employee of the Odell Horton Federal Building as well as each
attorney of record in a case is responsible for notifying staff, clients, witnesses,
and visitors of the requirements of this rule and for reasonably ensuring
compliance with the rule.
(3) Violations of this rule may result in the violator being required to remove the
electronic device from the courthouse or confiscation of the device and the
violator being reported to a judicial officer for appropriate action or other
sanction.
(d) 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.
