101. Effective Date. These rules take effect upon approval by the Supreme Court of Kentucky for the newly merged First Judicial District Court commencing January 1, 2023.

102. Citation. Citation to these rules may be to the First Judicial District Local Rules (1JDLR).

103. Virtual Court Attendance. Persons:may be permitted by the Court to attend certain Court sessions remotely by virtual electronic connection. Persons incarcerated at the time of their first appearance or arraignment shall attend such proceedings virtually, unless otherwise ordered by the Court. In all other proceedings, absent a superseding order by the Supreme Court of Kentucky (or the Chief First Circuit Court Judge), and subject to Rule 103.3., below, virtual attendance may be authorized only under the following conditions:

1. The person seeking virtual attendance shall request formally the Court's express permission not less than one business day prior to the scheduled Court event, and show good cause, according to the following procedure:

2. The following proceedings, absent a superseding order from the Supreme Court of Kentucky (or the Chief First Circuit Court Judge), may not be attended by virtual means, except in extraordinary circumstances or hardship:

3. Notwithstanding the provisions in sections (a) and (b) of this Rule 103, the Court reserves the right to schedule any matter for a virtual proceeding at its discretion or for good cause, with notice to parties and counsel.

1. Opening Court. The Court shall be formally opened after each adjournment or recess. Court sessions shall begin each scheduled Court day at the time set forth in Rule 2, below. All persons having business before the Court shall be present, seated and remain orderly when the Court is opened for business (or if attending virtually, to be linked and identified by name in the Court's virtual waiting room, with the audio output (mic) muted).

2. Attire and Personal Effects. Persons attending any Court proceeding, including virtual attendance, shall dress appropriately with due regard for the solemnity of the Court of Justice. Attorneys are expected to dress in appropriate professional dress customary to courtroom proceedings. Head coverings (unless required for religious purposes), sunglasses or garments containing controversial or offensive artwork or messages are not allowed, and the Court may, in its discretion, require the person so attired to leave the courtroom, or remove the offensive article of clothing. Headphones, music players, and newspapers or other leisure reading materials are not permitted in the courtroom when the Court is in session.

3. Weapons, Contraband, Dangerous Instruments. No weapon or item perceived by the security personnel of the Court as contraband or a dangerous instrumentality in the possession of any person not employed by the Court of Justice, or law enforcement agency, or those licensed and designated in KRS 527.020(5)(a), shall be allowed in the courthouse; and security personnel are authorized by the Court to seize any such item not voluntarily surrendered and to secure it until the person from whom it is seized exits the courthouse. Alternatively, such identified items may be secured voluntarily in a vehicle outside the courthouse by the person in possession before entering a Court session.

4. Photography and Video Recording. No person attending any session of the District Court, other than the Clerk of the Court, may take photographs inside the courtroom, or make a video or audio recording of any proceedings for any purpose without the express permission of the Court in advance on a showing of good cause. Security personnel are authorized to seize any recording device used in violation of this Rule.

5. Security Officers/Bailiffs. Unless otherwise directed by the Court, one or more bailiffs shall be in attendance in all Court sessions. The number of officers and schedules of service in court security shall be determined by the Court Security division of the Administrative Office of the Courts. The security officers/bailiffs shall have primary responsibility for courtroom security, and orderly behavior, and such other functions as may be directed by the Court.