Laptops Enjoined

CK - Washington   A court may keep laptops out of the courtroom, the Federal Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe ruled on December 11, 2008 in the matter 1 BvQ 47/08. A journalist sought mandamus on the grounds that the criminal matter is of substantial public interest. The constitutionally guaranteed freedom of the press would outweigh ministerial concerns the lower court had raised. The Supreme Court disagreed, in part because of the PC's ability to record video and audio. Notetaking, as needed by the press, can be accomplished with pen and paper. The restriction impo…