Jury duty and camera phones?

[TipsyMcStagger]

I’ve got jury duty later this month and the summons indicates that cell phones with camera capability are not permitted in the building. I would think nowadays most cell phones have integrated cameras…I know mine does.

Has anyone served recently in the city? In your experience, was this policy enforced?

I don’t want to have any problems but I’d rather not leave my phone at home.

TIA.

Tipsy

[lofter1]

If that is the court's policy and you choose to ignore it then you risk either having the phone confiscated and / or (if you happen to get a persnickety bailiff / judge) being charged with contempt of court.

[Ninjahedge]

You may not have to give it up, but if it says no it is good to be on a safe side.

I would call first and see if there would be somewhere you could leave it during session.

I would imagine that they might allow it if it was turned off, but I guess it is kind of like the movies. Cell phones should be turned off there too, but you will always have someone who will "forget". It is probably just easier to enforce "no phones" than "Make sure it is turned off and you do not take any pictures".....

[TipsyMcStagger]

If that is the court's policy and you choose to ignore it then you risk either having the phone confiscated and / or (if you happen to get a persnickety bailiff / judge) being charged with contempt of court.I realize that. That's why I'm asking if the policy is enforced. Jaywalking is illegal in NYC too, but I don't think twice about crossing the street illegally, even in front of a cop. I've never been ticketed.

I belive there's still a law on the books that says you must signal with your buggy whip prior to making a turn on a city street. Don't think that one's enforced much either.

Tipsy

[stache]

Tipsy why not rent a pageing device for the duration? Court houses have pay phones.

[ZippyTheChimp]

I realize that. That's why I'm asking if the policy is enforced.
It's not the cellphone.

Cameras are prohibited in NYC courtrooms. The ban was upheld last year by the New York Court of Appeals. If you bring a camera to jury duty, you will not be permitted to enter.

[TipsyMcStagger]

It's not the cellphone.

Cameras are prohibited in NYC courtrooms. The ban was upheld last year by the New York Court of Appeals. If you bring a camera to jury duty, you will not be permitted to enter.Straight from the summons, "Cell Phones With Camera Capabilities are Prohibited In The Courthouse."

Tipsy

[ZippyTheChimp]

And your point is?

[lofter1]

Sorry I wasn't clearer.

Per Jury Duty -- You're much better off to show up as served rather than risk getting turned away and then being listed as a "no show".

The majority of people don't actually get picked for jury -- and in my experience you're out of there in two days.

If you do get chosen it is a very good view into our judicial system -- not necessarily a pretty one. My service on a Jury (more than once) made me realize I would never want my fate determined either by those who work in the courts or by the citizens who sit in judgment.

Do bring some good reading material though ;)

[TipsyMcStagger]

And your point is? And my point is? I’m not asking if I can bring a camera into the courthouse. I’m asking if the policy regarding camera phones is enforced. Reread my original question.

Virtually every cell phone manufactured today has an integrated camera. I find it difficult to believe the hundreds, if not thousands, who enter the courthouse every day either leave their cell phone at home or have if confiscated while entering the building.

I’ll restate my original question. Has anyone served recently in the city? In your experience, was this policy enforced?

Thanks to all for the advice. I don’t mean to sound unappreciative, but I’m not seeking ideas for alternative communication possibilities. I’m simply curios if, based on recent experience, anyone can tell me if this policy is enforced.

Tipsy

[TipsyMcStagger]

Do bring some good reading material though ;)Thanks Lofter...I'll be sure to do that :)

Tipsy

[Schadenfrau]

If you bring a camera phone to court, the officers will confiscate it. You'll receive a ticket for the item and have to wait on line to retrieve it with everyone else lacking the good sense to just leave the phone at home for once.

[TipsyMcStagger]

If you bring a camera phone to court, the officers will confiscate it. You'll receive a ticket for the item and have to wait on line to retrieve it with everyone else lacking the good sense to just leave the phone at home for once.Thank you.

Tipsy

[mgp]

Thank you.

Tipsy

I had Jury Duty at the end of January, and saw the same note on the summons;, however, when I phoned in to confirm the night before they indicated that phones with cameras are now permitted. I brought my treo (which has a built in camera), and no one ever looked twice.

I was assigned to New York State Supreme court downtown on Centre Street. Perhaps different courts have different rules?

[TipsyMcStagger]

I had Jury Duty at the end of January, and saw the same note on the summons;, however, when I phoned in to confirm the night before they indicated that phones with cameras are now permitted. I brought my treo (which has a built in camera), and no one ever looked twice.

I was assigned to New York State Supreme court downtown on Centre Street. Perhaps different courts have different rules?Thanks for the update. I'll call and see if the policy has been changed.

Tipsy

[TipsyMcStagger]

Did my duty. Got released after the 2nd day.

FYI, there is a phone number on summons that you must call the day prior to beginning your service.

The recorded message concluded by specifically stating that camera phones are allowed in the building but picture taking is prohibited.

Tipsy

[ChaosNiner]

I have jury duty tomorrow. I just called the Kings County (Brooklyn) courthouse, and the gentleman on the line told me that cell phones with cameras "are now permitted within the courthouse."

Can't speak for other counties, though!