SC Workers’ Comp Commission Prohibits Most Wireless Devices in Courtroom
The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission has taken a significant step to enhance courtroom security by banning all wireless communication devices. This includes cellphones, laptops, cameras, and even smartwatches. The new policy was announced in a bulletin issued on January 12.
According to the bulletin, the ban does not extend to staff, lawyers, court reporters, law enforcement, and interpreters. The presiding commissioner has the discretion to allow electronic devices during proceedings, provided that no recordings or photographs are taken and that the devices are set to silent mode.
If security officers discover unauthorized electronic devices in the courtroom or nearby areas, individuals will be instructed to either return the devices to their homes or vehicles or to place them in a “Faraday pouch.” This metal-lined bag effectively blocks wireless signals, as noted in the order.
Kristen McRee, the Commission’s executive director, expressed appreciation for the public’s cooperation in implementing this enhanced security measure, which aims to safeguard the privacy and integrity of hearings. “We appreciate your cooperation as we implement this enhanced security measure to safeguard the privacy and integrity of our hearings,” she stated in a memo.
While the bulletin did not specify the reasons behind the new policy, McRee informed Insurance Journal that there have been recent incidents where individuals improperly recorded proceedings. The concern is that such unauthorized recordings could be manipulated and distributed, undermining the official records maintained by court reporters.
In various states, the use of cellphones has led to disruptions in courtrooms and remote proceedings. Some lawyers have even faced accusations of coaching witnesses through text messages. For instance, in Florida, the state Supreme Court disciplined a workers’ compensation defense attorney in 2021 after it was revealed that he was texting a claims adjuster witness during a remote hearing.
Although the South Carolina commission conducts some appeals remotely, the recent order does not seem to apply to these remote proceedings. This distinction allows for a more controlled environment during in-person hearings while still accommodating remote appeals.
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The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission has taken a significant step to enhance courtroom security by banning all wireless communication devices. This includes cellphones, laptops, cameras, and even smartwatches. The new policy was announced in a bulletin issued on January 12.
According to the bulletin, the ban does not extend to staff, lawyers, court reporters, law enforcement, and interpreters. The presiding commissioner has the discretion to allow electronic devices during proceedings, provided that no recordings or photographs are taken and that the devices are set to silent mode.
If security officers discover unauthorized electronic devices in the courtroom or nearby areas, individuals will be instructed to either return the devices to their homes or vehicles or to place them in a “Faraday pouch.” This metal-lined bag effectively blocks wireless signals, as noted in the order.
Kristen McRee, the Commission’s executive director, expressed appreciation for the public’s cooperation in implementing this enhanced security measure, which aims to safeguard the privacy and integrity of hearings. “We appreciate your cooperation as we implement this enhanced security measure to safeguard the privacy and integrity of our hearings,” she stated in a memo.
While the bulletin did not specify the reasons behind the new policy, McRee informed Insurance Journal that there have been recent incidents where individuals improperly recorded proceedings. The concern is that such unauthorized recordings could be manipulated and distributed, undermining the official records maintained by court reporters.
In various states, the use of cellphones has led to disruptions in courtrooms and remote proceedings. Some lawyers have even faced accusations of coaching witnesses through text messages. For instance, in Florida, the state Supreme Court disciplined a workers’ compensation defense attorney in 2021 after it was revealed that he was texting a claims adjuster witness during a remote hearing.
Although the South Carolina commission conducts some appeals remotely, the recent order does not seem to apply to these remote proceedings. This distinction allows for a more controlled environment during in-person hearings while still accommodating remote appeals.
Interested in Workers Comp?
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