Use of electronic equipment in courtrooms

Court rule affected - MCR 8.115
Admin no. - 2008-35
Entered - August 25, 2009
Effective - September 1, 2009

A new subparagraph is added:

(C) Establishment of a Policy Regarding Portable Electronic Communication Devices.
(1) A facility that contains a courtroom may determine use of electronic equipment in nonjudicial areas of the facility.
(2) The chief judge may establish a policy regarding the use of cell phones or other portable electronic communication devices within the court, except that no photographs may be taken of any jurors or witnesses, and no photographs may be taken inside any courtroom without permission of the court. The policy regarding the use of cell phones or other portable electronic communication devices shall be posted in a conspicuous location outside and inside each courtroom. Failure to comply with this section or with the policy established by the chief judge may result in a fine, including confiscation of the device, incarceration, or both for contempt of court.

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