Use of Portable Electronic Devices in 9th Circuit Court

(MCR 8.115, amended 9/01/09)

Use of portable electronic devices in the 9th Circuit Court is controlled by 9CC policy AD-1009.  A portable electronic device is defined as any type of portable device used for communication or personal information (examples: cell phones, pagers, computers, text messaging devices, music devices, internet devices, recorders)

A.    Electronic devices may not be used in courtrooms or hearing rooms unless otherwise approved by the hearing official.

B.    No photographs may be taken in the courtroom/hearing room without the prior permission of the hearing official.  No photographs may be taken of any juror or witness. 

C.    Failure to comply with this policy may result in a fine, including confiscation of the device, incarceration, or both, for contempt of court.

D.    Cell phones, pagers and other types of electronic communication device may be brought into the courthouse and placed in silent mode, unless otherwise instructed by security personnel at entry to the courthouse.  These devices may be used in corridors and lobbies unless otherwise directed by court or security personnel.  Users should exercise discretion in their conversations being held in a public environment.

EXCEPTIONS:

A.    Attorneys and pro per parties are permitted to use portable electronic devices in the courtrooms, however hearing officials retain discretion to have them removed from the courtroom if their use interferes with court proceedings.

B.    Media representatives with an approved, active Request and Notice for Film and Electronic Media Coverage of Court Proceedings may use electronic devices pursuant to 9CC policy AD-1004, Request and Notice for Film and Electronic Media Coverage of Court Proceedings.

Posted: Tuesday, October 20, 2009