Just an FYI - no ride-through's on credit cards

[2manybills]

Actually, I was surprised during our 341, we left our cell phones in the car, but all kinds of people had phones, blackberry's, iphones, etc. They were emailing, texting, whatever. Also, they had one of those computer cameras that the TT recorded everyone with.

So apparently the Feds have changed the rules on that. I thought since 9/11no phones were allowed in USDC.

[debtmonster]

Actually, I was surprised during our 341, we left our cell phones in the car, but all kinds of people had phones, blackberry's, iphones, etc. They were emailing, texting, whatever. Also, they had one of those computer cameras that the TT recorded everyone with.

So apparently the Feds have changed the rules on that. I thought since 9/11no phones were allowed in USDC.

Well, if you have an iPhone with you in there, then you could EASILY start snapping pictures and even upload them to Facebook or any other place right from the court room.

[Amy26]

http://books.google.com/books?id=PNJgqorBDscC&pg=PA87&lpg=PA87&dq=photography+in+courtrooms&source=bl&ots=IwLV6IsxBc&sig=8farPw-i09dhtMmFbvpuqUFJ3dA&hl=en&ei=joyBSu71E4ioNoGr-ZUL&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6#v=onepage&q=&f=false

Google books ;) I did a search on google for photography in courtrooms.

Then I did a search for cameras in the courtroom and apparently its a debated issue. Were some news articles on it as well.

And just because something that is potentially against the rules or even controversial is "easy" for you to do...doesn't make it right.

[2manybills]

That was the last thing I was thinking about here. In my opinion, this was not something to be taking so lightly. I was more concerned about being prepared and hopefully taking my next step to a "fresh start"!

[debtmonster]

http://books.google.com/books?id=PNJ...age&q=&f=false

Google books ;) I did a search on google for photography in courtrooms.

Then I did a search for cameras in the courtroom and apparently its a debated issue. Were some news articles on it as well.

And just because something that is potentially against the rules or even controversial is "easy" for you to do...doesn't make it right.

I'm not worried about personal opinions. I'm worried about it being legal or illegal. I'm telling you, it's not illegal.

If you bring a video camera in there and include your footage to be in a movie, then I'm sure you could get into trouble. But to post photos on a forum, bah!

I should have not have said anything here about it.

[Amy26]

LOL that book said Rule 53 of the Federal Rules for Criminal Proceedings prohibts photography in court rooms.

And if it was legal they wouldn't make you check your cameras at the door.

[liz417]

We weren't allowed to bring any phones to our 341. We also had to take off our shoes and our bags/purses were searched. Pretty strict rules here.

[2manybills]

liz417: Pretty interesting that you were in Central District Riverside and I was in Central District Santa Ana, and there were people all over the place on their phones and stuff. While they did ask if we had phones, I guess you're allowed to have them.

[debtmonster]

We weren't allowed to bring any phones to our 341. We also had to take off our shoes and our bags/purses were searched. Pretty strict rules here.

Yeah, if they do that at my place, I will not attempt it. Maybe I will take pictures of them doing that and post it. HA!!

[liz417]

RE:2manybills
Was your 341 at the Santa Ana Court House? Ours was in Riverside across the street from the Court House. Yeah, I was pretty surprised at how thorough this guard was...he took his job seriously

[jadams]

For Criminal proceedings, the information Amy posted above about Rule 53 is accurate.

But Bankruptcy is Civil, so:

" In September 1994, the Judicial Conference considered a recommendation by
its Court Administration and Case Management Committee to authorize the
photographing, recording, and broadcasting of civil proceedings in federal trial and
appellate courts. The committee presented the conference with the Federal Judicial
Center’s (FJC) evaluation of a three-year pilot program, which tested the efficacy
of electronic media coverage of civil proceedings in six district and two appellate
courts. Criminal trial proceedings were not covered as part of the pilot. That FJC
study recommended that federal courts of appeals and district courts nationwide be
authorized to allow camera access to civil proceedings. However, on the basis of the data presented, the conference concluded that the intimidating effect of cameras on
some witnesses and jurors was cause for concern, and declined to approve the
recommendation to allow cameras in civil proceedings.

"This committee, one of the conference’s many committees, studies and makes
recommendations on matters affecting case management; the operation of appellate, district and bankruptcy clerks’ offices; jury administration; and other court operational matters for the U.S. courts."

If it was allowed, we wouldn't have court room sketch artists. We've had fast enough film and lenses to ensure quality photographs without a flash for a very long time. With no flash and an insulated body to mask camera sounds, no one would even know when you took a picture. Why spend the time and money to have someone sketch?

I would say a Meeting of the Creditors falls under "civil proceeding", but I'm not a lawyer...

[debtmonster]

For Criminal proceedings, the information Amy posted above about Rule 53 is accurate.

That's good to know. Thanks for sharing that tidbit of info.

So if I go into a criminal court room and start taking pictures, then I can get busted, right?

[Amy26]

Hmm ok. But again, if the rules for civil cases are different...why do they take your phone and/or camera? As I mentioned in my prior post, they let me keep my phone but I had to show them that it was turned off. I suppose I just could have turned it back on again...

But I assume its also based on what type of building you have your meeting in. The one I was in was just like a regular office building.

And sorry if I went too far finding the criminal rules but debtmonster kinda took it to that level talking about televised court trials and such.

[debtmonster]

I guess I will find out the bottom line on all of this on August 28th. I don't anticipate going there any sooner as the building is a good 45-60 minutes drive in traffic from here... BAD TRAFFIC, all the way like down town.

[jadams]

Hmm ok. But again, if the rules for civil cases are different...why do they take your phone and/or camera?

Sorry, maybe my post wasn't clear.

The rules are basically the same. I was just anticipating someone pointing out that Rule 53 only applied to Criminal Cases and the rest of my post should explain how the same restrictions end up applying to Civil.