Home > It's A Legal Matter > No phones in court

No phones in court

By Jeff Terrill

Fort Wayne Reader

2017-12-18


Meet Mike. Mike owns a marketing company. He owes a lot of his success to his office manager, Sally. Sally does it all. She helps Mike with all areas of the business. Mike is amazed at how well she balances her work life with her role as a mother. Mike and Sally aren’t real people.

Sally’s husband filed for divorce and he’s petitioning for custody of their three young children. Mike knows just how dedicated Sally is to her kids. Mike agrees to testify for her at a provisional order hearing.

The night before the hearing, Mike enters some notes on his cell phone about his observations of how Sally cares for her kids. Mike includes some dates of specific instances. Mike also creates a folder with inappropriate emails he received from Sally’s husband over the years.

Mike plans to get to the courthouse early to meet with Sally’s lawyer. Once Mike finally finds a parking spot, he heads over to what he believes is the courthouse entrance. The door is locked. Mike walks around the side of the building and tries another set of doors. Locked. Mike finally locates the entrance and is greeted by members of the courthouse security standing in front of a metal detector.

Mike empties his keys and cell phone into the bowl before walking through the metal detector. One of the officers informs Mike that cell phones are not allowed in the courthouse. Mike explains that the information he needs for the hearing is on his cell phone. The officer again explains that cell phones are not permitted inside.

Mike isn’t sure what to do. He worries he will be late for Sally’s hearing. Mike runs his cell phone back to his car and returns to the courthouse a few minutes late. Sally’s attorney asks Mike if he brought the emails sent by Sally’s husband. Mike explains that the emails are on his cell phone. Mike is flustered. Everything is on his phone. He feels naked without it. He can’t believe that he’s not allowed to bring his cell phone into the courthouse.

Everyday people are denied entrance into Indiana courthouses because of their cell phones. Most Indiana courthouses have court security officers and metal detectors near the entrance. The officers conduct the screening to make sure no weapons, contraband, cell phones or cameras make it into the courtrooms.

In Indiana, trial court judges are responsible for ensuring that no one video or audio records or takes photographs inside courtrooms or in areas adjacent to the courtrooms.

If you are headed to court, leave your cell phone at home or in your car.

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Jeff Terrill is a partner/shareholder with the law firm of Arnold Terrill Anzini, P.C. Mr. Terrill represents clients accused of crimes throughout northeast Indiana. You can contact Mr. Terrill with any questions or comments at his office at 260.420.7777 or via email at jterrill@fortwaynedefense.com. Learn more about his firm at www.fortwaynedefense.com. This article expressed opinions and observations of the author, is not intended as legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between the author and the reader. Please consult a qualified attorney with any legal questions or issues you might have. Thank you.


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