Forsyth County Courthouse bans electronic devices to protect courtroom integrity
By Staff Report
The Chronicle
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Nov. 10, 2025) — Cellphones and other personal electronic devices are no longer allowed inside the Forsyth County Courthouse under a new administrative order aimed at protecting courtroom integrity and public safety.
The ban, which took effect Nov. 10, was issued jointly by Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Todd Burke and Chief District Court Judge George Cleland. It prohibits members of the public from bringing in cellphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, cameras or any device capable of recording or transmitting audio, video or images.
Officials say the move was necessary to prevent witness intimidation, protect the privacy of victims, and limit unauthorized recordings of judges, court personnel and jurors.
“This is about preserving the integrity of the judicial process,” court officials wrote in the signed order. “Improper recordings can threaten public confidence in the justice system and endanger participants in sensitive proceedings.”
Who is affected?
The ban applies to all members of the public entering the courthouse unless they fall under specific exemptions. Those exempt include:
- Judges, attorneys, and court staff
- Law enforcement officers and probation or parole officers
- Credentialed media with prior approval
- Individuals with medical devices that require electronics (such as insulin pumps or hearing aids)
Devices brought in without exemption are subject to confiscation.
Signs posted, enforcement underway
Signage has been posted at courthouse entrances, and sheriff’s deputies are stationed at security checkpoints to enforce the new policy. Visitors are required to leave devices in their vehicles or at home before entering.
Court administrators acknowledged that the change may cause inconvenience but emphasized the need to prioritize safety and privacy in an era of increasing digital surveillance.
Courthouses in several other North Carolina counties, including Mecklenburg and Wake, have implemented similar bans in recent years.
