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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Judges of the territorial and Supreme courts of the NWT are reviewing a policy that governs the use of electronic recording devices in court.

News of the review follows an announcement by Nunavut Chief Justice Robert Kilpatrick about plans to put a new court media policy into effect in that territory later this summer.

Nunavut's policy, currently in draft form, would allow accredited media to use audio recorders, smartphones and laptops to document proceedings in that territory's courts.

Jeff Round, acting director of court services for the NWT, said he doesn't know whether the NWT's review will result in a similar policy. He was also unsure how long the process will take.

"I don't have any details on what it is that (the judges are) drafting," he said.

None of the NWT judges could be reached for comment.

In Nunavut, if the policy is enacted, the territory would be one of the first Canadian jurisdictions to allow reporters to record audio and make live Internet updates about proceedings from within courtrooms.

The NWT's existing policy does not allow the use of recorders or cameras in the courtroom unless the user is granted permission from a judge. Also, cellphones have to be turned off.

Daryl Dolynny, MLA for Range Lake, said he would support a new electronic usage policy in the courts as long as the rules regarding privacy are upheld.

"There would have to be some definite adherence to rules, I guess, and governance to rules with respect to this new policy, if that's indeed a new policy we would be looking at," said Dolynny.

"We are entering a new world of social networking and I think a lot of jurisdictions, including courts, including legislature, are evaluating this ... We have to embrace technology and if this is part of the means of doing so, then I would be supportive."

- with files from Casey Lessard

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