Man gets probation for filming court hearing on his cell phone

In an impromptu case of new media meeting traditional courtroom rules, a North Carolina man was found in contempt after he was caught filming a court hearing with his cell phone, according to the Fayetteville Observer.

Jaime Brown told the newspaper he "just wanted to record the funny parts" of witness testimony, which apparently included portions of a police officer’s statement in a domestic violence case. According to the Observer, Brown was found in contempt of court and sentenced to 18 months’ probation for violating a ban on photos or recordings of court proceedings.

Judge Robert Stiehl was quoted as saying, "It’s just not appropriate to tape domestic violence trials for entertainment purposes."

Turns out, the Observer reports, the officer being filmed was also involved in an assault case brought against a friend of Brown’s. Brown admitted he was in court to support his friend, but denied knowing the link.