Can You Bring It to Court or Jury Duty? Item-by-Item Guide (2026)
What courthouse security usually allows, item by item, for visitors and for summoned jurors.
| Item | Usual rule |
|---|---|
| a Laptop | Usually allowed for jurors in the assembly room; for visitors it follows the phone rule |
| a Smartwatch (Apple Watch) | Treated like a phone: allowed where phones are allowed, banned where they are banned |
| AirPods or Headphones | Usually allowed through security, not allowed in your ears in a courtroom |
| Food and Snacks | Usually fine in the jury room; not allowed in courtrooms |
| a Water Bottle | Plastic or empty bottles are usually fine; glass is often refused |
| a Book or Kindle | Books are allowed everywhere; e-readers follow the electronics rule |
| a Phone Charger or Power Bank | Allowed where phones are allowed |
| Medication | Allowed; keep it in the labeled container |
| a Vape or E-Cigarette | Often banned at security; never allowed to use inside |
| a Pocket Knife | No. Knives of any size are prohibited |
| Pepper Spray | No. Treated as a weapon |
| an Umbrella | Usually allowed after x-ray |
| Your Children | Allowed in the building, but not recommended in courtrooms |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you not bring into a courthouse?
Weapons of any kind (guns, knives, pepper spray), sharp tools such as scissors, and in many courthouses vapes, lighters and glass containers. Some courthouses also ban phones and other electronics for the public.
What should I bring to jury duty?
Your summons, photo ID, parking ticket if you drove, a book or device to pass the time, a charger, a sweater, and snacks in plastic containers.