Adopted July 7, 2015 · Not amended since adoption · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 220.2 provides that a juror who violates the electronic-device restrictions of Rule 220.1, or a local rule or judge’s limitation on device use during proceedings, may be held in contempt and sanctioned, including by confiscation of the device used in violation.
Any individual who violates the provisions of Rule 220.1 regarding the use of electronic devices by jurors or who violates any limitation imposed by local rule or by the trial judge regarding the prohibited use of electronic devices during court proceedings:
(a)may be found in contempt of court and sanctioned in accordance with 42 Pa.C.S. § 4132 et seq., and
(b)may be subject to sanctions deemed appropriate by the trial judge, including, but not limited to, the confiscation of the electronic device that is used in violation of this rule.
End
Plain-English Summary
This rule supplies the teeth for the juror-conduct restrictions. A juror who violates Rule 220.1’s limits on electronic devices, or any device limitation imposed by local rule or the trial judge, faces consequences.
Those consequences run on two tracks. The juror may be found in contempt of court and sanctioned under the contempt statute, and the trial judge may impose other appropriate sanctions, including confiscating the device used in violation of the rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a juror breaks the device rules?
The juror may be held in contempt of court and sanctioned under 42 Pa.C.S. § 4132, and the trial judge may impose other sanctions, including confiscating the device used in violation.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 220.2 adopted July 7, 2015, effective October 1, 2015, 45 Pa.B. 3976.
Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation
of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. This rule has not been amended since its adoption. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as:juror sanctionscontempt jurordevice confiscation