Laptops and Tablets Allowed in Michigan Courtrooms

The Michigan Supreme Court has given the green light to phones in courts. The public can bring laptops, tablets and phones into local courthouses.

With everything going on these days including the push on distracted driving, many are surprised about this new ruling. Does that mean this could turn into distracted courtroom proceedings?

According to the Associated Press, the new rule covers the use of electronic devices in courtrooms and clerk's offices, where public documents are stored.

Many elected clerks had opposed the policy during the drafting stage because it would allow people to copy records and avoid fees.

The public can bring electronic devices into courtrooms to take notes, use the internet or exchange email and text messages, under the rule, which starts May 1 in circuit, district and probate courts.

Once this gets off the ground and people get use to it, it will become a normal way of doing things in Michigan courtrooms.