Electronic Devices Now Have New Rules For Use in New Jersey Courts

Electronic Devices Now Have New Rules For Use in New Jersey Courts

In December, the Supreme Court of New Jersey announced new rules for the use of electronic devices in the state’s courtrooms. They take effect on February 2, 2015.

The guidelines, which were last revised in 2003, are intended to reflect changes in technology as well as the way in which news is reported. They apply equally to journalists, attorneys, and the public.

As noted by the New Jersey Judiciary, “The pervasiveness of new electronic devices, and their availability to traditional journalists, bloggers, new age journalists and the general public, requires courts to implement guidelines governing the use of electronic devices in and around a courthouse, so that their use does not compromise fairness to litigants, efficiency in court proceedings and/or appropriate courtroom decorum.”

The most significant change is that anyone who wants to use electronic equipment in the courtroom must sign an agreement that they will adhere to the rules set forth in Supreme Court Guidelines on Electronic Devices in the Courtroom. The agreement must only be signed once and is then valid for 12 months. Once it is executed, the agreement permits the individual to use an electronic device inside a courtroom to take notes and receive information and communications without further approval being required. Violating the agreement may result in sanctions, including, but not limited to, contempt of court.

The guidelines for recording, photographing or broadcasting a court proceeding are virtually unchanged. Individuals seeking to do so must request permission from the court to do so.

The guidelines also address the permissible use of electronic devices on courthouse grounds and common areas. For instance, while in common areas of a courthouse individuals may use an electronic device for any purpose other than to take photographs, electronically record and/or broadcast. The guidelines also reserve the right to restrict the use of electronic devices if such use “interferes with the administration of justice, poses a threat to safety or security, or compromises the integrity of the proceedings.”