May et al v. BHP Billiton Petroleum (Fayetteville) LLC

Filing 171

ORDER authorizing expert witnesses George Hite, James Williams, and Robert McGowan to bring a cell phone, laptop computer, or personal digital assistant into the Richard Sheppard Arnold U.S. Courthouse in Little Rock on 4 through 8 April 2016 for a trial in this case. Signed by Judge D. P. Marshall Jr. on 3/29/2016. (jak)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
WESTERN DIVISION
KENNETH JOE MAY, et al.

v.

PLAINTIFFS

4:13-cv-494-DPM

BHP BILLITON PETROLEUM
(FAYETTEVILLE) LLC

DEFENDANT

ORDER
The Court authorizes expert witnesses George Hite, James
Williams, and Robert McGowan to bring a cell phone, laptop computer,
or personal digital assistant into the Richard Sheppard Arnold United
States Courthouse in Little Rock on 4 through 8 April 2016 for a Trial in
this case.
The following rules apply to this access:
•

The devices mentioned may not be used to record,
photograph, or film anyone or anything inside the
courthouse.

•

Cell phones and PDAs must be turned off and put away
when in the courtroom. Putting the cell phones on “vibrate”
or “silent” is unacceptable.

January 2014

•

Wireless internet components of all electronic devices must be
deactivated when in the courtroom.

•

Only counsel, and support staff at counsel table, may use
laptops in the courtroom.

•

Before persons with electronic devices are granted entry into
the courthouse, all devices must be examined by the United
States Marshals Service or Court Security Personnel. This
examination includes, but is not limited to, placing the device
through the electronic screening machines and requiring the
person possessing the device to turn the power to the device
off and on.

•

The United States Marshals Service may further restrict
electronic devices from entering the building if a threat so
requires.

•

When talking on a phone (or with someone in person) in a
corridor, all courthouse visitors should be as quiet as possible.

•

When working on laptops in the courtroom, all courthouse
visitors should be as quiet as possible.

A violation of these rules may result in seizure of the electronic
devices, withdrawal of the privilege to bring an electronic device into the
courthouse, or other sanctions.

A violation of the prohibition on

recording, photographing, or filming anyone or anything inside the
courthouse may be punished as contempt of court.
So Ordered.
January 2014

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________________________
D.P. Marshall Jr.
United States District Judge
29 March 2016

January 2014

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