Australian Capital Territory Current Regulations

COURT PROCEDURES RULES 2006 - REG 6908

    (1)     A person must not use an electronic device in a court room unless—

        (a)     the person is—

              (i)     a party to a proceeding before the court; or

              (ii)     a legal representative of a party to a proceeding before the court; or

              (iii)     a media representative; or

        (b)     the person is permitted by the presiding judicial officer to use the device.

    (2)     Unless permitted by the presiding judicial officer, a person mentioned in subrule (1) must not use an electronic device in a court room if use of the device—

        (a)     interferes with the court recording system or other technology; or

        (b)     in the opinion of the presiding judicial officer, interferes with courtroom behaviour, is inconsistent with the court's functions, or otherwise impedes the administration of justice; or

        (c)     generates sound or requires speaking into the device; or

        (d)     records a photograph or video image; or

        (e)     records or digitally transcribes the proceedings other than in accordance with this rule.

    (3)     If a sheriff's officer or another officer of the court reasonably believes that a person is using an electronic device in contravention of this rule, the officer may direct the person to—

        (a)     leave the courtroom; or

        (b)     give the electronic device to the officer until the person leaves the courtroom; or

        (c)     allow the officer and the presiding judicial officer access to the electronic device to view any images or listen to any recordings; or

        (d)     modify or delete the images or recordings on the electronic device as directed by the presiding judicial officer.

    (4)     A person who contravenes this rule may be dealt with for contempt of court.