Notice Inviting Comment
Proposed Amendment to Rule 1:19 of the Rules of the Supreme Judicial Court
NOTICE
Proposed Amendment to
Rule 1:19 of the Rules of the Supreme Judicial Court
The Supreme Judicial Court Rules Committee solicits comments on proposed amendments to S.J.C. Rule 1:19, Cameras in the Courts. The amendments were recommended by the Supreme Judicial Court's Judiciary-Media Committee. They were drafted by a subcommittee created to review the current rule and recommend changes in light of advances in technology and journalism since the rule was promulgated. The proposed revisions change the name of the rule to Electronic Access to the Courts. They also include an expanded definition of media and a requirement that media register with the Court's Public Information Office. The proposed amendments allow the media to possess and operate electronic devices in the courtroom, subject to certain restrictions. Live blogging from the courtroom generally would be permissible.
The proposed amendments, a blackline comparison with the current rule and a summary of the proposed changes prepared by the subcommittee that drafted the amendments are attached.
Comments should be directed to Christine P. Burak, Secretary, Supreme Judicial Court Rules Committee, Supreme Judicial Court, John Adams Courthouse, One Pemberton Square, Boston MA 02108 on or before Friday, January 28, 2011. Comments may also be sent to
christine.burak@sjc.state.ma.us.
Proposed amendments to SJC Rule 1:19 
Blackline comparison with the current rule
Summary of the proposed changes