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Monday, February 05, 2007
Ind. Courts - More on: Another county likely will ban cell phones in Courthouse
But no, it is not to be in LaGrange County. Updating this information from Feb. 3rd, WLKI reports today:
(LAGRANGE) - LaGrange County Commissioners chose not to act on a request to ban cell phones in county buildings this morning.[More] Here is the same story from WTHD, reported by Tim Murray.Commission President George Bachman said Judge George Brown asked him about placing a ban on cell phones and electronic devices.
Steuben and Allen counties banned them from their courthouses after someone used a phone to record a closed juvenile hearing, and others were taking pictures of witnesses.
But officials thought a local ban would be ineffective. Commissioner Phil Curtis said cell phones are an accepted tool in business. Commissioner Roger Boots added that an exemption for county employees would confuse the public when they see people still using cell phones in the courthouse. Curtis said the judges already have the authority to ban the devices in courtrooms.
Others noted that LaGrange County’s courthouse lacks the restricted access needed to enforce such a ban. And pictures could still be taken outside the building.
Posted by Marcia Oddi on February 5, 2007 03:17 PM
Posted to Indiana Courts