Use of Electronic Devices in Nova Scotia Courthouses
NOTE: The Nova Scotia Courts are currently developing a policy on the use of Twitter from inside the courtroom. "TEXTING", referred to in the current policy, is different from "TWEETING".
IN THE INTERIM:
In the COURT OF APPEAL, Tweeting inside the courtroom IS ALLOWED unless the Court rules otherwise.
In the SUPREME COURT and PROVINCIAL COURT, Tweeting IS NOT ALLOWED without the permission of the presiding Judge.
The Courts of Nova Scotia introduced their policy regarding the use of electronic devices in the Province's courthouses in 2006. It applies to all electronic devices (video and still cameras, laptop computers, personal digital assistants, cell phones, etc.) used by the general public, the media, legal professionals and anyone else entering the courthouses.
It incorporates the policy regarding the use of electronic devices in courtrooms (introduced in 2007) and expands on it with the addition of a new policy regarding the use of electronic devices inside the courthouse (in the public areas outside the courtrooms).
The policy is outlined below.
To view or print a policy brochure, click here: Electronic Devices Brochure
This brochure is available in all of Nova Scotia's courthouses.
To print the policy on plain letter-size paper, click here: Electronic Devices Policy
Inside the courthouse, outside the courtroom |
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| Without permission of the court, no person shall use a device such as a video/still camera, cell phone, or audio recorder inside the courthouse to produce, record or transmit audio, video or still photographs. | |
| Allowed | ~ speaking on a cell phone |
Prohibited |
~ taking pictures |
Exceptions |
Members of the press and media may use audio recorders, still/video cameras, and other devices to produce, record, or transmit audio, video, or still photographs inside the courthouse but not in courtrooms, and only within designated media areas where these areas exist. In courthouses that require accreditation, this exception applies only to accredited members of the press and media. These prohibitions do not apply to anyone during official ceremonies such as a swearing in and events such as law day mock trials and weddings held in the courthouse |
Inside the courtroom |
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Without permission of the court, no person shall use an electronic device, such as a cell phone, computer or personal data assistant, in a courtroom: |
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| Allowed | ~ keeping a cell phone on in vibrating mode only (but not answering it) |
| Prohibited | ~ answering a phone call while Court is in session |
| Exceptions | Members of the press and media may use audio recorders inside courtrooms to augment their note taking, but not for broadcast. In courthouses that require accreditation, this exception applies only to accredited members of the press and media. These prohibitions do not apply |
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