Smart-Phone-Office Photo Credit: wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.com

Attorneys arguing cases in the Appellate Division, Second Department, will be allowed to use electronic devices in the courtroom to refer to notes, briefs or the record and to conduct research and take notes, according to a policy announced Thursday.

Making phone calls or using the devices for any other purpose is still prohibited. Litigants arguing pro se will also be able to refer to the electronic devices.

The Second Department joins the First and Third in allowing portable devices such as laptops. phones and personal digital assistants. The Fourth Department allows the devices in certain instances, such as a reporter who wants to tweet during a proceeding.