R.I. Super. Ct. R. Crim. P. 53
The taking of photographs and the broadcasting, televising, and recording of court proceedings shall be controlled by the trial judicial officer in accordance with Supreme Court Rules, Article VII, Canons 1-13 or orders, which address media coverage of judicial proceedings. Taking written notes and sketching in the courtroom may be permitted in the discretion of and under the supervision and control of the trial judicial officer.
R.I. Super. Ct. R. Crim. P. 53
2002 Committee Notes
The adoption by the Supreme Court of Article VII, Canons 1-13, "Media Coverage of Judicial Proceedings," in the Supreme Court Rules requires the amendment of Rule 53. Taking written notes and sketching in the courtroom are not specifically covered by the media rules, see Canon 2, and the trial justice has complete authority to exclude, supervise, or control such activity, see Canons 1 and 11.
1981 Notes
This amendment permits sketching during the progress of a criminal proceeding in the discretion of and under the supervision and control of the trial or hearing justice. The amendment conforms to the amendment of Rule 48 of the Supreme Court Rules, Canon 30A.
1972 Notes
This rule is, with minor modification, the same as its federal counterpart. Although there are no Rhode Island statutory provisions or decisions dealing with this issue, this rule accords with customary practice.