On January 8, 2020, the Michigan Supreme Court amended a longstanding court rule that had allowed local courts to determine the use of electronics in their facilities, including outright bans of such devices. The amended rule allows attorneys, parties and members of the public to use a portable electronic device in a courtroom to “retrieve or to store information . . . to access the Internet, and to send and receive text messages or information.” 

Prohibited uses include: (a) making or receiving calls or for any other audible function, (b) “to communicate in any way with any courtroom participant, including . . . a party, a witness, or juror at any time during any court proceedings” or (c) to take photographs or for audio or video recording, broadcasting, or live streaming” unless the presiding judge allows such use.

The amended court rule, intended to provide consistent policies between courtrooms statewide, takes effect on May 1, 2020.

The amended court rule is available here.   Contact us at Ossian Law P. C. regarding any information technology law matter.

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