POLICY RE USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN COURTROOMS
Adopted by the Chief Justices and Judges on June 15, 2006
The Policy:
Without permission of the court, no person shall use an electronic device, such as a cell phone, computer or personal data assistant, in a courtroom:
- to carry on a conversation while Court is in session,
- to take photographs or record or produce a digital image,
- to transmit an audio or video recording, or
- which interferes with the proceedings or the recording of them by the court's systems by producing any noise, vibration, or electronic signal.
In more detail, the policy allows and prohibits the following - with exceptions:
Allowed:
- keeping a cell phone on (in vibrating mode) but not answering or calling out on it in the courtroom while Court is in session
- using a personal digital assistant (BlackBerry) for receiving and transmitting data (only) if it does not interfere with proceedings or the courtroom recording system
- using a laptop computer for receiving and transmitting data (only) if it does not interfere with proceedings or the courtroom recording system
Prohibited:
- taking pictures or recording video or audio in a courtroom
- transmitting pictures, video or audio in a courtroom
- using any electronic device, or having one on , which disrupts what is going on in the courtroom in any way
- using any electronic device, or having one on , which interferes with the courtroom recording system in any way
Exceptions:
- members of the press and media may make audio recording of court proceedings to augment their note-taking but not for broadcast
- during official ceremonies (swearing in) and events (law day mock trials) held in courtrooms, these prohibitions do not apply
- when an order of the court has been obtained allowing the televising of specific proceedings of the Court of Appeal (see applicable policy in media guidelines, appendix B)
If you have any questions, contact:
John Piccolo
Communications Director,
The Nova Scotia Judiciary
Office Phone: (902) 424-0618
Cell Phone: (902) 221-5257
E-mail: piccolj@gov.ns.ca
For additional information go to:
http://www.courts.ns.ca/news/electronic_devices_policy.htm
For the purposes of enforcing this policy, it is intended that Sheriff Officers would take the initiative only where there is an obvious breach. For example, it may be obvious that someone is taking pictures in the courtroom. On the other hand, it may be impossible for anyone to ascertain, just by looking, other breaches of the policy. The Judge may issue direction to the Sheriff Officer, however, in situations such as where the use of the device is causing disruption or where it is interfering with the recording of proceedings.