Score one for public access in Michigan courthouses. The Michigan Supreme Court has adopted amendments to court rules to explicitly allow the public to bring cell phones into courthouses and courtrooms.

The changes also allow the public to photograph court records. Effective May 1, the amended rules establish a statewide policy that allows the public to use a cell phone or other personal electronic device in a
courtroom or courthouse to: retrieve or store information, access the internet, and send/receive text messages as long as the user is silent; and, reproduce court documents as long as it leaves no marks and does not unreasonably interfere with the operation of the clerk’s office.

The amended rule does include courtroom restrictions to maintain security and prevent disruption. Devices must be silenced in the courtroom and
cannot be used to make or receive calls while court is in session.

Among other restrictions, the public: cannot communicate with any courtroom participant or photograph or record any juror or potential juror; cannot record court proceedings without the permission of the judge; and, cannot record or photograph people in the courthouse without their consent.