Guidelines for Use of Laptops by the Media

The following guidelines apply to the use of laptops by members of the media attending Court of Chancery proceedings and are to be strictly adhered to:

1. Authorized media representatives may bring a laptop computer into the courtroom for the sole purpose of note taking while Court is in session. For purposes of this policy, a media representative shall have bona fide credentials or identification issued by a bona fide media organization, whose news reports are made available to the general public on a regular basis.
2. The laptop must fit onto the user’s lap and not take up any additional space. It must be positioned and operated silently and in a manner which does not cause any distractions or detract from the dignity and decorum of the proceeding. Laptops must operate on battery power due to the limited amount of space and number of electrical outlets in the courtrooms, and to reduce the risk of accidents caused by excessive wires in the walkway. Users will be able to charge laptops outside of the courtroom during breaks.
3. Laptops shall not be used in the courtroom to broadcast, webcast, record audio or video, photograph, e-mail, or transmit by any other means. Internet usage interferes with equipment used by court reporters, therefore electronic transmissions via WiFi, air card, wave card or any other means is strictly prohibited.
4. Although laptops will be permitted with prior approval, the following devices remain prohibited: audio recorders, cell phones, smart phones, iPads, iPods, and any other device that can access the internet via mobile broadband technology, i.e., 3g, 4g, or LTE.
5. Requests to bring a laptop must be submitted by completing the Laptop Authorization Form attached hereto (or fillable form below), along with instructions.
6. Upon approval by the Chancellor or Court Administrator, a media representative will be authorized to use a laptop, in accordance with this policy, during Court of Chancery proceedings. This privilege may be retracted by the presiding Judicial Officer at any time during a proceeding, for any reason. A presiding Judicial Officer may authorize use of a laptop consistent with these guidelines, on an ad hoc basis, while consideration of the Laptop Authorization Form is pending.
7. Media representatives who violate this policy will lose the privilege of using a laptop during Chancery proceedings, may lose the privilege of attending future Chancery proceedings, and may be subject to the penalties of civil contempt.
8. This authorization will commence on the date of approval and shall remain in effect for a time period to be determined by the Court.

Delaware Court of Chancery Laptop Authorization Form

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Before filling out the Authorization Form, please be sure to read the above Delaware Court of Chancery Guidelines for Use of Laptops by the Media.

First and Last Name:
Media Outlet:
Email Address:
Phone Number (with area code):
Please note policy revision

By initialing below, I acknowledge that I have read the Court of Chancery Guidelines for Use of Laptops by the Media. I agree to use the laptop for note taking purposes only while in the courtroom and I will not connect to the Internet, broadcast, webcast, record audio or video, take photographs, send email or transmit by any other means including those not specified herein. I acknowledge that the Chancellor or a presiding Judicial Officer may retract this authorization at any time for any reason.

Initials:
Date:

Submit