16th District Court

16^th District Court

Policy Regarding the Use of 

Portable Electronic Devices

Pursuant to MCR 8.115, effective May 1, 2020, this policy governs the use of portable electronic devices in the 16^th District Court.  Portable electronic devices include any mobile device capable of electronically storing, accessing, or transmitting information. This encompasses portable computers of all description, smart and cell phones, cameras and other audio or video recording devices, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or other devices that provide internet access including eyeglasses, watches, and any similar items.

1. Electronic communications devices must be turned off or set to silent mode prior to entering a courtroom including no audible vibrations mode or keyboard sounds.  This includes attorneys. 
2. No one, including attorneys, may make or take a phone call on an electronic portable device in a courtroom unless that use is specifically allowed by the judge presiding over that courtroom.
3. No one shall cause their electronic device or phone to ring or vibrate anywhere in the courthouse.
4. No one may use a portable electronic device to take photographs or for audio or video recording, broadcasting, or live streaming anywhere in the courthouse unless that use is specifically allowed by the judge presiding over that courtroom.  The only exception to this is requests for film or electronic media coverage of court proceedings previously approved by the Court pursuant to Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 1989-2.
5. No one may photograph, record, broadcast, or live stream any juror or anyone called to the court for jury service or as a witness without that person’s consent.
6. Jurors must turn off their portable electronic devices while present in a courtroom.  Jurors may be required to surrender their electronic devices during deliberations. Use of portable electronic devices during deliberations is prohibited.
7. No one may use a portable electronic device to communicate in any way with any courtroom participant including, but not limited to, a party, a witness, or juror at any time during any court proceeding, inside or outside of the courtroom.
8. In areas of the courthouse outside the courtroom, no one may photograph, record, broadcast, or live stream an individual without their consent. During any interaction with Court staff, the Court user may be asked to put their cell phone or recording device in plain sight and asked to turn the device off until the conversation is concluded.
9. Court managers (judge, court administrator, clerk of court) may limit or terminate permission to use a portable electronic device if an individual engages in activities that are disruptive to court operations or compromise court security.
10. People may reproduce court documents that are subject to public disclosure with smart phone cameras as long as it leaves no marks and does not unreasonably interfere with the operation of the clerk’s office.   
11. Failure to surrender the offending device upon demand by any court employee shall result in an immediate finding of contempt of court by the Judge.  Failure to comply with this policy may result in a finding of contempt of court, a fine of up to $250.00 per occurrence, including confiscation of the device, incarceration up to thirty (30) days in jail, or both.

Young children will not be allowed in the courtrooms during sessions without prior permission of the Judge or Magistrate.

You should not talk or make any noises while court is in session. While this is a matter of common sense, the rule is not arbitrarily created. The 16th District Court is a court of record which means that all proceedings are recorded. Extraneous noise or talking may interfere with the recorded testimony.

You will not be allowed to eat, drink, chew gum or smoke inside the courtroom. You will also not be allowed to enter the building with any beverages or food.

You must appear promptly at times designated on your notice, ticket or other documentation. Failure to appear timely may result in adverse action being taken against you.

Proper attire is required for entry into the 16th District Court. If you are not dressed appropriately, you will not be seen by a Judge or Probation Officer. Prohibited attire includes:

• Cut-Offs
• Hats/Caps
• Shorts
• Skorts
• Sleeveless Shirts
• Tank tops among other clothing which is not suitable in a court of law

Shoes are also required.

All persons who enter the 16th District Court are subject to a search of both their person and belongings. Signs posted at the Court's entrance list all items which are prohibited and which will be seized if found on your person.