The Supreme Court has announced a new policy that, starting with the court’s April calendar, will allow those arguing cases to bring laptops or tablets into court for the limited purpose of helping with the argument. It’s a self-styled “restricted public use” policy, however. No show-and-tell, no recording. Counsel can use the electronic devices only to look at his or her notes or the briefs or the record or whatever else might inspire eloquence.
Here’s the policy:
Only counsel and self-represented litigants may use laptop computers and electronic tablets in the courtroom. Such devices may be used only as an aid in presenting oral argument, and may not be used to display demonstrative evidence to the court or for any other purpose. Devices must be silenced and placed in “airplane mode” at all times. No cellular telephones or other electronic devices are permitted in the courtroom, except for assisted listening devices. No audio or video recording or photography is permitted in the courtroom, except in compliance with California Rules of Court, rule 1.150. Failure to comply with these restrictions may result in the violator being removed from the courtroom.
The First District Court of Appeal has implemented the same policy.