Opinion
21cr387(DLC)
09-09-2021
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, v. NAHEEM ESCORT, Defendant.
ORDER
DENISE COTE, UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE.
This case having been scheduled for trial, it is hereby ORDERED that the following procedures shall govern the conduct of trial and all appearances in court. The parties shall ensure that all trial participants comply with the Southern District of New York's Ninth Amended Standing Order entitled In re Coronavirus/COVID-19 Pandemic(M-10-468), entered August 6, 2021, and other SDNY COVID-19-related orders that govern entry into and behavior within SDNY courthouses. These materials may be found at: https://www.nysd.uscourts.gov/covid-19-coronavirus.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all individuals seeking entry to 500 Pearl Street must complete a questionnaire and have their temperature taken before being allowed entry into the courthouse. To gain entry to 500 Pearl Street, follow the instructions provided here: https://www.nysd.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/2020-10/QR%20Sign%20-%20PublicMediav.5.pdf
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all individuals must practice social distancing at all times in the courthouse. Individuals also must wear a face mask that covers the person's nose and mouth at all times in the courthouse unless the Court authorizes their removal. Bandannas, gaiters, and masks with valves are not permitted.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that by October 15 at 5:00 PM the parties must advise the Court of how many spectators will attend the trial. The parties must advise the Court by the same date how many individuals will be seated at counsel's tables. Special accommodations may need to be made if more than ten spectators are expected to attend, or more than three individuals are expected to be seated at each counsel's table.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that parties are responsible for informing themselves of any modifications to SDNY COVID-19-related rules and procedures and adhering to all current rules and procedures for the duration of the trial.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the parties are responsible for bringing these procedures to the attention of their witnesses and any other persons they expect to attend the trial.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the parties shall attempt to have documents to be used at trial, including trial exhibits, in electronic form. Due to the pandemic, counsel should make every effort to avoid the exchange of documents in paper form during the trial. Therefore, exhibits should be pre-marked and assembled sequentially in a digital folder labelled with the exhibit No. for ready reference and be ready to be distributed digitally to the Court, counsel, and witnesses during the trial.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that, if counsel intends to present digital evidence via the courtroom's audiovisual system during trial, counsel shall call this Court's Chambers to schedule a time to come to the courthouse in advance of trial to prepare for presentation of digital evidence with the assistance of the courthouse's IT Department.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that counsel should make certain that they have custody of all original exhibits. The Court does not retain them, and the Clerk is not responsible for them.
Counsel are advised that this Court's Revised Standing Order M10-468 of February 26, 2014 prohibits all personal electronic devices and general purpose computing devices except by written permission of the presiding judge. Counsel are further advised that such devices may not be connected to the Court's computer network under any circumstances. Accordingly, IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that by October 15, counsel shall fill out the attached form and send it to this Court's Chambers email inbox at Cotenysdchambers@nysd.uscourts.gov to request permission to bring any personal electronic devices or general purpose computing devices into the courthouse.
SO ORDERED: