MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) — Wesley Pipes, presiding judge of the Mobile County District Court, says people attending court hearings and trials are taking photos and videos of people testifying in the courtroom when they shouldn’t be and posting them on social media.

“We have identified witnesses or ostracized someone from the community for coming forward and testifying,” Pipes said. “I think that bordered on intimidation, and we certainly don’t want to give anyone the opportunity to do that.”

“This is particularly concerning when we have cases involving youth gangs because these groups exist in society. They communicate with each other, especially through social media, and so someone who is in court with bad intent could very quickly spread the word to acquaintances that, in their view, they need to intimidate someone. That is something we want to prevent,” said Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood.

Blackwood says they need witness testimony and not fear for their safety to successfully prosecute cases. Pipes says they reached a tipping point earlier this year where they felt the safety of those involved in the court proceedings was more important than the convenience of the public. Pipes issued the new rule this summer when there were no jury trials, but trials resumed this week. When entering Government Plaza, security personnel will stop you to see where you are going and if you have a phone. Pipes says there are some exceptions to the new rule.

“If you’re coming as a witness or a party or you’re summoned to court, you’re not allowed to take your phone into the courthouse. If you’re a juror, you can. So if you’re on juror duty, you’re allowed to take your phone into the courthouse. If you’re coming for any other reason, you can leave it in your car,” Pipes said.

Pipes says many other courthouses in the state have similar rules in place. The federal courthouse in Mobile also does not allow the public to bring cell phones.