Electronic Devices Soon To Be Restricted In Allegheny County Courthouse

The murder trial of Leslie Mollett, convicted in the murder of state Trooper Joseph Pokorny, highlighted what judges call an increasing problem.

People have been known to photograph witnesses and even undercover police officers near courtrooms, which is a form of witness intimidation.

The restrictions apply to everyone, including news media.

The Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure state cameras are forbidden from courtrooms and their environs, but many judges say, technology has outpaced those rules.

The restrictions include video cameras, cell phones, camera phones, PDAs or any device that may allow for the taking of photographs, the transmission of communications and/or the recording of sound.