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Friday, June 15, 2007

Ind. Courts - More on cell phone bans in Indiana courthouses

Dionne Waugh of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports today that:

It’s been almost six months since Allen County banned cell phones, cameras, iPods and nearly all other electronic devices from its court facilities.

Yet, hundreds of people still try to bring them in every day.

“It’s amazing,” Allen Superior Court Chief Judge Fran Gull said. “It’s a little discouraging that we still have this much of a problem this far past (January).

“There’s signs posted everywhere. People seem to think the sign has no applicability to them. It’s very frustrating for court security who get the brunt of people’s complaints. * * *

Gull said she has continued to receive requests for exemptions from doctors, out-of-town visitors, jurors and photographers, but none have been granted.

County judges made the decision to ban most electronic devices, saying cell phones were disruptive and a safety concern when people used them to take pictures and video of jurors, witnesses, victims and attorneys.

The story concludes:
Allen County is one of the first localities in the state to ban the devices, which are also not allowed in federal court.

Though cell phones are still allowed in court facilities in Indianapolis, Gary and South Bend, that may soon change.

Spokesman Mike Higgins with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said Lake County may not be far behind.

Porter County announced this month it will begin banning cell phones in August after learning that guns resembling cell phones are now available on the Internet. Court officials there are still working out the details, including granting exemptions for attorneys, police and courthouse employees.

Court officials in nearby St. Joseph County are also considering changes, St. Joseph Circuit Judge Michael G. Gotsch said.

Shortly after Allen County banned cell phones in January, Steuben County followed suit after learning someone broadcast a private court hearing involving a neglected and abused child. A member of a judge’s court staff received a call from someone in LaGrange County who had received a phone call and could hear the court proceedings.

For earlier ILB entries on courthouse cell phone bans, see this list.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on June 15, 2007 08:34 AM
Posted to Indiana Courts