On its own motion the court may, and on request of a party the court shall, order that the witnesses, other than parties, be excluded from the courtroom or from a place where they can see or hear the proceedings and refrain from discussing the facts of the case with anyone other than counsel in the case.  In the interests of justice, the court may exempt any witness from its order.

Acts 1991, No. 235, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.