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Cellphones, tablets, laptops and cameras must be turned off in Luzerne County courtrooms under a new policy implemented by county President Judge Richard Hughes.
Court Administrator Michael Shucosky said the policy stems partly from a recent incident in which an audience member at a court proceeding secretly recorded testimony involving a relative and posted it online.
The presiding judge spotted the act, and the person involved received a warning after agreeing to delete all recordings under supervision of the sheriff’s office, Shucosky said.
Sensitive court testimony also has been interrupted by songs from cellphone ringtones, he said.
“This policy applies to everyone in the courtroom, including attorneys,” Shucosky said.
The policy says no photographs, sound or video recording, cellphone recording or motion pictures of any type may be taken of any judicial proceeding or in any area immediately surrounding the entrances or exits of courtrooms without prior court approval.
Permission to turn on electronic devices in all hearing rooms and surrounding entrances and exits also must be obtained in advance.
The policy also bans the photographing and recording of witnesses, jurors, police officers, judges and judicial officers in the courthouse or any building housing a county courtroom.
Shucosky said court officials are concerned about intimidation of witnesses and jurors that has occurred in other areas.
Violation of the order can be deemed contempt of court and result in the confiscation of electronic devices, the deletion of “any offending data or material,” a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in prison, the policy said.
Shucosky said the court “strongly believes in transparency” and will work with the media to ensure the new policy does not impede reporting of court proceedings.
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