Court system postpones new rule that would give bloggers camera, laptop access to courtrooms

The Supreme Judicial Court today announced it was postponing a rule that would let bloggers photograph and video trials and other proceedings until Sept. 17, to give court personnel more time to prepare for its implementation.

The court had initially set July 1 as the date on which bloggers could register to use electronic recording devices in courtrooms. The delay also affects a related provision that would let bloggers and members of the mainstream media use laptops and smart phones during court proceedings to take notes or file accounts.

Under the new rules, one of three recording slots per courtroom would be reserved for a blogger or other citizen journalist who had registered with the court system. Mainstream media are already allowed one still and one video camera per courtroom - if more than one media outlet wants to take photos, they have to agree to share the output of whoever is allowed in the courtroom.

As with mainstream photographers, camera-wielding bloggers will not be allowed to photograph jurors, sidebar discussions or certain types of hearings, such as those on the suitability of prospective jurors. A judge will retain the right to bar all photographers from specific hearings.

More details on the new rule.