ENTERED
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF WEST VIRGINIA RORY L. PERRY II, CLERK
U.S. Olslrlcl Court
Southern OlsMct ot West Virginia
INRE: AUDIO AND VIDEO RECORDING EQUIPMENT AND
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES
On August 1, 2005, the Court issued a Standing Order relating to the use of
wireless communication devices in the federal courthouses of the Southern District
of West Virginia to enhance security, avoid the disruption of proceedings, prevent
the illicit broadcast or taping of proceedings, and to protect the participants in court
proceedings. These policy concerns still apply with full force, but considering the
changing nature of technology, the Court finds that it is necessary to update the
2005 Standing Order.
Audio or video recording or the taking of photographs with any device while in
a courthouse in this District is prohibited. Only attorneys, court reporters, and court
interpreters conducting official business at a federal courthouse in this District are
permitted limited use of wireless communications devices such as mobile telephones
and laptop computers. Wireless communications devices and laptop computers may
be used to assist attorneys in their cases but must: (1) be programmed not to emit
any audible noise while in the courtroom; (2) only be used in a manner that does not
disrupt a proceeding; and (3) may not in any fashion be used to broadcast or record
audio or video while in the courthouse. Wireless communications devices are not
permitted in a grand jury room while the grand jury is in session unless utilized by
an agent or representative of the United States Attorney's Office for evidence
presentation. Federal or state certified bona fide law enforcement officers who are
empowered with general arrest authority and who are acting in their official
capacity are permitted to use wireless communications devices and laptop computers
while in the courthouses, subject to the same limitations above that apply to
attorneys. Each presiding judicial officer may modify this rule as circumstances
warrant.
Any other individual other than a federal employee who brings a wireless
communication device - including mobile telephones, laptop computers, and any
device capable of recording or broadcasting audio, still photographs and/or video -
into a courthouse in this District will be required by the court security officers to
deposit such devices in storage facilities as provided at the front entry of the
building, to be retrieved upon leaving the courthouse.
The United States Marshal, in consultation with the Chief Judge, may grant
limited exemptions to this rule as circumstances warrant in connection with
regularly scheduled ceremonial events.
This policy will be published on the Court's external website and made
available in notices provided to jurors. The United States Marshal, his deputies, and
the Court Security Officers shall enforce this Order.
SO ORDERED this 10th day of August 2022.
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RO .
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
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UNITED STATES DISTRJCT JUDGE
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF WE ST VIRGINIA
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Frank W. Volk
United States District Judge
Senior United States District Judge
David A. Faber
Senior United States District Judge
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