Earlier this week, lawyers for Massey CEO Don Blankenship filed a motion asking U.S. District Judge Irene Berger to allow them additional computer equipment and cell phones in the courtroom for Blankenship’s trial. Apparently, the judge had tightened the local court’s typical rules — and told prosecutors and defense lawyers that each side got only one cell phone.

One cell phone just wasn’t enough for the defense — and U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin’s office responded that they needed to be able to have just as many devices as Blankenship’s attorneys were allowed.

A secret transcript of Thursday’s court session included a discussion of this weighty issue.

Asked about his motion by the judge, defense lawyer Bill Taylor said, “Well, if you ask my children, they will say that they all need laptops and cell phones.”

Judge Berger responded, “I understand. Fortunately, we’re a little bit older.”

Berger then asked Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Ruby about the government’s response to the defense motion. “We saw Mr. Taylor’s motion to bring in I think eight or nine laptops and we were … we were afraid we might be out-computed.”

The two sides appeared to eventually agree to Judge Berger’s suggestion that they get two laptops and one cell phone for each side.