CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — The public won't be able to bring cell phones into Casper's judicial building starting Jan. 1.

The Associated Press reports that the ban is aimed at preventing people from recording and photographing court proceedings. Currently, phones are allowed inside the Townsend Justice Center but they must be turned off.

Law enforcement officers, attorneys and courthouse employees will still be able to bring their cell phones into the center.

Earlier this year, courthouses in Chicago also began barring cell phones to prevent people from taking photos of prospective jurors and potential witnesses. About half of federal courts ban all electronic devices in courthouses.

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