(b) Use of Electronic Devices by Jurors During Proceedings Conducted In Person. If jurors participate in a court proceeding in person, the following provisions govern:
(2) Any electronic devices removed from members of a jury panel may be returned to the members of the jury panel during recesses in the trial. When jurors are sequestered, the presiding judge may determine whether the electronic devices will be removed from jurors during any portion of sequestration.
(3) From the time a person reports for jury service until the person is discharged from jury service, that person is prohibited from using electronic devices for any of the following purposes:
(B) transmitting or accessing text or data during the court proceedings;
(C) transmitting or accessing text or data about the case on which the juror is serving;
(D) researching, transmitting, or accessing information about the case on which the juror is serving;
(E) otherwise communicating about the case on which the juror is serving; or
(F) otherwise communicating about the jury deliberations.
(5) The jury summons mailed to prospective jurors should contain a notice that electronic devices will be removed from all members of a jury panel before jury deliberations begin and as directed by the presiding judge, may be removed at other stages of a trial. At the beginning of the trial, the presiding judge should advise the jury panel about the removal of electronic devices.
(2) Prospective and empaneled jurors may not use an electronic device during a court proceeding, except for the sole purpose of participating in the court proceeding, unless otherwise authorized by the presiding judge. When empaneled jurors are sequestered, the presiding judge may determine whether any electronic devices may be used by those jurors during any portion of sequestration.
(3) Prospective and empaneled jurors are subject to the prohibitions specified in subdivision (b)(3).
(4) Nothing in this rule is to be construed to limit or impair the authority of a chief judge or presiding judge to grant permission to a prospective or an empaneled juror to use his or her electronic device during a court proceeding.
(5) The jury summons mailed to prospective jurors who may participate in voir dire or trial through audio-video communication technology should contain a notice indicating that electronic devices may not be used during those court proceedings except for the sole purpose of participating in the court proceeding, unless otherwise authorized by the presiding judge. The summons should also indicate that the use of electronic devices may be prohibited by a presiding judge during a period of sequestration. At the beginning of voir dire and trial, the presiding judge should advise the prospective and empaneled jurors about the prohibition against using electronic devices during the court proceeding for any purpose other than participating in the court proceeding.
(B) ensure decorum and prevent distractions; and
(C) ensure the fair administration of justice in the pending cause.
(B) ensure the fair administration of justice; and
(C) preserve court security.
