For more than five years, Ionia County's chief district judge in Michigan has zealously enforced a "one strike, you're out" policy. The rule applies to what he considers an inexcusable breach of courtroom decorum -- the squawk of an unsilenced cellphone.

When he hears a ring, beep or chime, Judge Raymond Voet confiscates the phone, holds the owner in contempt of court, and makes the person fork over $25 to get it back. "I can't stand cellphones ringing or making noises," the judge told Law Blog. "I've...