W.D.N.C. LCvR 83.3

(a) Broadcasts, Photography, and Use of Cameras during Court Proceedings.

(1) Photography and Electronic Recording Prohibited. The taking of still or

moving photographs and/or the audio recording of any Court proceedings in the courtroom or in

the corridors immediately adjacent thereto, during the progress of judicial proceedings or during

any recess, is prohibited. Such prohibition includes, but is not limited to, the transmittal or sound

recording of such proceedings for broadcast by radio, television, internet, and social or any other

media.

(2) Exceptions for Ceremonial and Educational Proceedings. Ceremonial

proceedings, such as administration of oaths of office, presentation of portraits, investitures, and

similar occasions, may be photographed, broadcast, or televised from the courtroom with the

permission and under the supervision of the Court. Seminars conducted in the courtroom, such as

Continuing Legal Education seminars, may also be recorded and broadcast by the program sponsor

under the Court’s supervision.

(3) Naturalization Proceedings. During Naturalization Proceedings,

participants, spectators, and the media may bring cameras and cell phone cameras into the

courthouse and use such devices during the ceremonies. Such devices are, however, subject to

screening by a United States Marshal or Court Security Officer.

(b) Cell Phones, Computers, and Other Electronic Devices.

(1) Persons Permitted to Bring Electronic Devices Into the Courthouse. The

following persons may bring computers, cell phones, and similar electronic devices (hereinafter

“devices”) into the courthouse after such devices have been screened by the United States Marshal

Service or a Court Security Officer: (1) attorneys; (2) paralegals; (3) federal employees; (4) law

firm staff when accompanied by an attorney; (5) state, county, or tribal law enforcement or

emergency services personnel on official business; (6) jurors who have been selected to serve on

a jury; (7) invited guests of the Court for ceremonial proceedings; and (8) service and delivery

personnel. Where a pro se litigant needs to use a personal device during Court proceedings, the

litigant should contact the Clerk of Court in advance of that proceeding to secure permission from

the Court.

(2) Prohibited Use. Unless otherwise permitted by this Rule, all devices must

be powered off in the courtroom. No device shall be used to record Court proceedings under any

circumstances. Use of such devices for voice or video communication from the courtroom or from

the corridors near courtrooms is prohibited. Use of devices for purposes of streaming of audio

and/or video and for gaming is also prohibited. Improper use may be treated as a contempt of

Court.

(3) Permitted Use. Where a permitted device has been brought into the

courthouse by a permitted person, a device may be used in conjunction with a proceeding, in

preparation for an upcoming proceeding, and to work on other matters while waiting for upcoming

proceedings. Use of devices to communicate by e-mail, texting, and instant messaging is permitted

if the use is not disruptive.