Section 627. Sanctions for Use of Prohibited Electronic Devices

Any individual who violates the provisions of Rule 112(A) prohibiting recording or broadcasting during a judicial proceeding or who violates the Court’s instructions required by Rule 626 regarding the use of electronic devices by jurors or who violates any limitation imposed by a local rule or by the trial judge regarding the prohibited use of electronic devices during court proceedings:

(1) may be found in contempt of court and sanctioned in accordance with 42 Pa.C.S. § 4132 et seq.; and

(2) may be subject to sanctions deemed appropriate by the trial judge, including, but not limited to, the confiscation of the electronic device that is used in violation of these rules.

Comment

This rule was adopted in 2015 to make clear that in addition to the penalties for contempt that may be imposed upon an individual who violates these rules or a court-imposed restriction on the use of electronic devices during court proceedings, such devices may be temporarily or permanently confiscated by the court.

Official Note

Adopted July 7, 2015, effective October 1, 2015.

Committee Explanatory Reports:

Final Report explaining the July 7, 2015 adoption of new Rule 627 regarding sanctions for use of prohibited communications devices published with the Court’s Order at 45 Pa.B. 3985 (July 25, 2015).

The provisions of this Rule 627 adopted July 7, 2015, effective October 1, 2015, 45 Pa.B. 3980.