Residents heading to the Union County Courthouse in Monroe for jury duty, hearings or civil matters can no longer bring their cell phones inside.
A new court order banning electronic devices for the general public took effect Thursday, Oct. 1, WSOC-TV reported. The ban covers cell phones, computers, AI glasses and any other device capable of recording sound or pictures.
Attorneys, law enforcement officers and courthouse staff are exempt.
People representing themselves in a case, or those directly involved in a matter before the court, may request permission from a judge to use a device when it is necessary for their case. The order does not specify whether other groups, such as credentialed media, are covered by the exemption.
Penalties
The consequences are steep. Anyone who violates the ban could face a fine of up to $500, a contempt-of-court charge or jail time, according to WSOC-TV.
What's unclear
The court order does not appear to address practical logistics for visitors. It is not clear whether phones must be left in a vehicle, surrendered at a security checkpoint or stored elsewhere.
The issuing judge has not been publicly identified.
Residents with upcoming court business at the Union County Judicial Center in Monroe should plan to leave electronic devices at home or in their vehicles.
