Protocol on the Use of Electronic Devices in the Courtroom

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Protocol on the Use of Electronic Devices in the Courtroom

1. Purpose

This protocol outlines how electronic devices may be used in courtrooms of the Superior Court of Justice (Ontario) by counsel, licensed paralegals, law students and law clerks assisting counsel, self-represented litigants, and media or journalists.

Note: This protocol does not apply to persons who require electronic devices (or services requiring the use of electronic devices) to accommodate a disability.

2. Definitions

Electronic Devices:

For the purposes of this protocol, “electronic devices” include all forms of computers, personal electronic and digital devices, and mobile, cellular, and smart phones.

Publicly Accessible Live Communications: For the purposes of this protocol, “publicly accessible live communications” are defined as the act of using an electronic device to transmit information from the courtroom to a publicly accessible medium (e.g., via Twitter or live blogs).

Judge:

For the purpose of this protocol, “judge” means

(1) all judges, traditional masters, and case management masters of the Superior Court of Justice, and
(2) provincial judges and deputy judges of the Small Claims Court.

3. Prohibited Use of Electronic Devices by the Public

Members of the public are not permitted to use electronic devices in the courtroom unless the presiding judge orders otherwise.

http://www.ontariocourts.ca/scj/en/notices/protocols/