Media May Have To Get Permission From Judges To Bring Electronics Into Court

Reporters may soon have to get permission from a judge any time they want to bring a cell phone, laptop or other digital device inside a courtroom.
Officials with the Administrative Office of the Courts said Friday those requirements are part of a proposed Tennessee Supreme Court rule that regulates media coverage in the courtroom. AOC officials said permission would be required even if the reporter were not Tweeting or streaming video from the courtroom but simply wanted to use a laptop to take notes or have a silent phone on hand.
Reporters would have to make a written request to a judge at least two business days in advance of any hearing they wanted to cover.
The Supreme Court is encouraging comments on the proposed changes.