Joel N. Kreizman
Partner
732-568-8363 jkreizman@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Electronic Devices Now Have New Rules For Use in New Jersey Courts
Author: Joel N. Kreizman
Date: January 16, 2015
Key Contacts
Back
New for 2015: Revised Rules for Using Electronic Devices 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.”
- Business attorney New Jersey
- New Jersey Business Litigation Attorney
- NJ attorney Scarinci
- Scarinci Hollenbeck
- Practices: Litigation, Commercial Litigation - Business Litigation Attorney
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, Little Falls, NJ, New York City
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
New Jersey’s Revised UHAC Regulations: What Residential Developers Need to Know About Affordable Housing Commitments
New Jersey residential developers with affordable housing obligations should carefully review their existing approvals, development agreements, and proposed deed restrictions in light of the State’s revised UHAC regulations (Uniform Housing Affordability Controls). The regulations, which took effect on November 6, 2025, significantly change the administration and physical requirements for affordable housing units. For developers with […]
Author: Wendy Rubinstein Quiroga
“No Comment” Culture: Why Silence Is Often the Riskiest Legal Strategy
A “no comment” response is sometimes the right call when a legal problem arises. As a blanket policy, however, it lets allegations go unanswered, deadlines pass, evidence disappear, and manageable disputes grow into expensive litigation. The businesses that fare best are usually the ones that say little publicly while acting decisively behind the scenes. When […]
Author: Sean M. Pena
Utility-Scale Battery Storage Projects: A Legal Roadmap for Developers, Property Owners and Other Stakeholders
Utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming an increasingly important component of the electric grid throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. As renewable generation expands, electricity demand increases and grid operators seek greater flexibility, battery storage can help balance supply and demand while providing additional capacity and reliability. For developers, battery storage presents […]
Author: Nicholas Wall
Navigating Disputes: Hire a Partnership Dispute Lawyer
A falling out between partners can be disastrous for any business. In many cases, the partnership will not survive. If you are in an unworkable situation with your partners, it may be time to consult a partnership dispute lawyer experienced in handling partnership breakups and dissolutions before the situation deteriorates any further. It is easy […]
Author: Jay McDaniel
Section 363 Sales in Bankruptcy: What Businesses, Lenders, and Buyers Need to Know
When a company enters Chapter 11 bankruptcy, many assume the process will culminate in a lengthy reorganization plan. However, distressed businesses are increasingly being sold through a different mechanism — a sale under Section 363 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. A Section 363 sale allows a company, as a debtor-in-possession in bankruptcy, to sell […]
Author: John D. Giampolo
Zoning Laws Explained: What You Need to Know Before Buying Property
Before buying property, it is critical to determine whether local zoning laws may affect your plans. If you plan to redevelop the property, you will want to confirm that local zoning regulations permit development as intended. If acquiring property that is already developed, you must verify that the use is permitted in the underlying zoning […]
Author: Wendy Rubinstein Quiroga
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.