Supreme Court might permit electronics use in proceedings

The Hawaii Supreme Court is seeking comments on a proposed rule that would allow the public, members of the media and lawyers to use laptops, cellphones and other electronic devices in state courtrooms.

People would be prohibited from using such devices to take photographs or record video of court proceedings.

The use of cameras and video and audio recording devices is covered by other rules that specify the conditions under which they may be used.

There are no rules governing laptops, cellphones and similar devices. Their use in the courtroom is left to the judge.

The proposed rule would make it clear that the devices may be used in court under certain restrictions.

For example, keyboards would have to be quiet, and texting and emailing could not be "audibly distracting to others." Also, cellphones would have to be set so they produce no sound.

The proposed rule would allow a judge to restrict the use of any electronic devices "to protect the interests of security and safety of parties, jurors, or the public, or to ensure the integrity, decorum or orderly conduct of judicial proceedings."

The judge, however, would have to state for the record the reasons for restricting or prohibiting the devices.

The proposed rule said violations may result in removing the person or electronic devices from the courtroom or "other sanctions."

The deadline for people to submit written comments is June 3. People may mail comments to the Judiciary Communications and Community Relations Office, 417 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96813; or fax comments to 539-4801.

Comments may also be submitted at www.courts.state.hi.us. The proposed rule is also on the website.