Orelia Eleta Merchant

Judge Merchant requires parties who will present marked exhibits digitally to meet with court technology staff and the Courtroom Deputy at least 20 days before trial, then file written ECF confirmation.

Any party wishing to present marked exhibits to the jury in digital form who has not previously used the Court’s electronic equipment is directed to meet with the Chief Deputy Clerk for Automation Services and Tasheana Lubin at least 20 days prior to the commencement of the trial to review the available equipment for the presentation of digital evidence. ... Following such meeting, such party shall file a confirmation in writing via ECF that this meeting has occurred.

In federal district-court civil proceedings, testimony is ordinarily taken in open court; remote contemporaneous testimony requires good cause in compelling circumstances and appropriate safeguards.

For good cause in compelling circumstances and with appropriate safeguards, the court may permit testimony in open court by contemporaneous transmission from a different location.

Federal district courts may not permit courtroom photography or broadcasting during criminal judicial proceedings unless a statute or another federal rule provides an exception.

Except as otherwise provided by a statute or these rules, the court must not permit the taking of photographs in the courtroom during judicial proceedings or the broadcasting of judicial proceedings from the courtroom.