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H Document 2 of Document 1165

This document outlines the rules regarding photography, broadcasting, and recording in federal courthouses in the Middle District of Alabama. It prohibits these activities in courtrooms and environs but allows their use by attorneys for presenting evidence. It also allows cellular phones, laptops, and pagers in courtrooms if used discreetly and without recording capabilities. The purpose is to maintain courtroom dignity while allowing technology to aid legal work if used respectfully and without disrupting proceedings.

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John S Keppy
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92 views3 pages

H Document 2 of Document 1165

This document outlines the rules regarding photography, broadcasting, and recording in federal courthouses in the Middle District of Alabama. It prohibits these activities in courtrooms and environs but allows their use by attorneys for presenting evidence. It also allows cellular phones, laptops, and pagers in courtrooms if used discreetly and without recording capabilities. The purpose is to maintain courtroom dignity while allowing technology to aid legal work if used respectfully and without disrupting proceedings.

Uploaded by

John S Keppy
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Case 2:10-cr-00186-MHT -WC Document 1165-2 Filed 05/23/11 Page 1 of 3

Case 2:00-mc-03046-WHA Document 2 Flied 10/06/09 Page 1 of 3

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES


FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
r-.
Civil Misc. No. 3046 -
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ORDER C)
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PHOTOGRAPHY, BROADCASTING, RECORDING 1J <
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AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES' -
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The taking of photographs and operation of audio or video recording in the courtroom

or its environs, and radio, television or other broadcasting from the courtroom during the

progress or in connection with judicial proceedings, including proceedings before a United

States Magistrate, Bankruptcy Judge or Administrative Law Judge, whether or not court is

in session, is prohibited. The courtroom and its environs, as such terms are used in this order,

shall include any portion of the United States courthouse buildings and the exterior steps to

such buildings, and parking areas adjacent to such buildings if such areas are owned by the

United States Government. Where the interests of justice or public safety may so require,

the Court may direct the marshal to extend the environs of the courtroom, as such term is

contemplated in this order, to the curb or edge of the public streets or thoroughfares adjacent

to such buildings if such areas are owned by the United States Government. In exceptional

situations, at the request of the United States Marshal or United States Attorney, the court

may direct limitations on photography and broadcasting to maintain the secrecy of grand jury

proceedings, to protect jurors and witnesses, and to further the interests ofjustice in unusual,

This Order supersedes the court's Misc. Order flied January 3, 2000, relating to photography,
broadcasting and recording, which is hereby VACATED.
Case 2:10-cr-00186-MHT -WC Document 1165-2 Filed 05/23/11 Page 2 of 3

Case 2:OO-mc-03046-WHA Document 2 Filed 10/06/09 Page 2 of 3

hazardous, or inflammatory circumstances. However, attorneys and members of their staffs

may possess and use electronic or photographic means for the presentation of evidence. The

broadcasting, televising, recording, or photographing of investitive, ceremonia', or

naturalization proceedings may be authorized by the presiding judge.

In addition, cellular telephones, paging devices, and laptop computers without

photographic, video or audio recording capabilities, may be possessed in the courtroom and

its environs by members of the Court family, attorneys, attorneys' staff, law enforcement

personnel and the press. Provided, however, that cellular telephones and laptops with

photographic capabilities, or video or audio recording capabilities, shall be allowed (1) only

to attorneys (not their staff), (2) for communication and access to information only, (3) on

the condition that no photographs, or audio or video recording be conducted in the courtroom

and its environs. Laptop computers may be used in the courtroom. Cellular telephones must

be turned off in the courtroom and the paging devices must be in the silent vibrator mode or

turned off. Cellular telephones may be used outside the courtroom and within its environs

for communication and access to information only. However, if any cellular telephone or

paging device goes off in the courtroom, it will be subject to confiscation. Users will be

required to demonstrate to the Court Security Officers that the devices perform their proper

function.

It is the purpose of this order to preserve and protect the dignity and solemnity of court

proceedings, to promote public safety and the safety of the court and its personnel, and to

2
Case 2:10-cr-00186-MHT -WC Document 1165-2 Filed 05/23/11 Page 3 of 3

Case 2:00-mc-03046-WHA Document 2 Filed 10/06/09 Page 3 of 3

facilitate access to court functions by the public and court officers while allowing the

progressive use of electronic devices which will aid in the preparation and trial of cases and

the hearing and resolution of motions and other court matters. Nothing herein contained shall

be construed unreasonably so as to restrict the constitutional rights of any individual. The

environs of the courtroom as defined in this order shall not include the office of any elected

official within any United States courthouse, nor should it include the office area of any other

agency within such buildings where photography, broadcasting, and recording have been

invited or authorized by the person in charge thereof with respect to a matter which is

unrelated to court proceedings or security.

This order shall remain in effect until fttrther order of the court.

DONE this the 4 day of , 2009.

CHIEF ED ST TES DISTRICT JUDGE

UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

* &4&P
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

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