LGnR6 – Electronic Devices in the Courthouse

LGnR6-1 Restrictions on Possession and Use of Electronic Devices.

(a)

Policy. Except for those individuals exempted by LGnR6-2, no visitors to the court facilities are permitted to bring any electronic device into the court facilities. Non-exempt individuals visiting a court facility who arrive with an electronic device will be required to lock their electronic device in their personal vehicle (if applicable) or to leave the device with court security officers stationed at the secured entrance. “Electronic device” includes, but is not limited to, cellular or smart phones, laptops, tablets, iPads, and other devices capable of taking photographs, recording audio/video, transmitting information, or having wireless communications capabilities. A List of Banned Electronic Devices is available on the Court’s website.

(b)

Permissible Electronic Devices. After clearing security, exempt individuals are permitted to carry into the court facility electronic devices such as cellular or smart phones, laptops, tablets, iPads, and other devices having wireless communications capability, subject to the following:

(1)

No person shall use a permissible device to take photographs, stream broadcasts, or make audio or video recordings in any court-related space, any public area located on the same floor as a court-related space in the court facilities, or any other location in which court business and proceedings are conducted.

(2)

The Court prohibits the use of cellular telephones, pagers, or other electronic devices in the courtroom. Such devices may be carried on the person within a courtroom only if the device is silenced.

LGnR6-2 Exempt Individuals.

The following individuals will be permitted to bring electronic devices into the court facility with proper identification and subject to the provisions of this Local Rule:

(a)

attorneys who are members of the bar of the Northern District of Oklahoma or who have been temporarily admitted in the Northern District;

(b)

individuals who frequently assist attorneys in legal matters (such as couriers, legal assistants, paralegals, technical consultants, and expert witnesses). These individuals must have an attorney in the case notify the court security officers that they are authorized;

(c)

government contractors with regular duties in the court facility;

(d)

employees who work in the court facility;

(e)

anyone attending a ceremonial function, such as a naturalization or investiture ceremony, or an educational function, such as a moot court competition or continuing legal education program;

(f)

individuals attending a settlement conference in the court facility; and

(g)

federal jurors. Federal jurors may only use permissible electronic devices during their lunch break. Juror devices must be turned over to the jury clerk for storage at all other times. The jury clerk will return all devices to the jurors at the end of the day. Jurors may not use their devices to take photographs, stream broadcasts, or make audio or video recordings.

LGnR6-3 Exceptions.

(a)

A judge may approve the use of electronic or photographic equipment for the presentation of evidence or the perpetuation of a record.

(b)

A judge may approve any additional exceptions.

LGnR6-4 Enforcement and Sanctions.

(a)

Enforcement. The United States Marshals Service and court security officers are authorized to enforce this policy. The United States Marshals Service shall maintain a system where those not authorized to bring electronic devices into court facilities can secure their devices while visiting the court facilities.

(b)

Sanctions for Violations. Violation of this Local Rule may constitute contempt of court punishable by incarceration and the imposition of fines, costs, and attorney fees. Violation may result in confiscation of the offending device by the United States Marshals Service and court security officers.