Can You Bring a Book or Kindle to Court or Jury Duty? (2026)
Short answer: Books are allowed everywhere; e-readers follow the electronics rule. Each courthouse sets its own security rules, so check yours before you go.
At court (visitors, defendants, witnesses)
Paper books and magazines pass security in every courthouse. An e-reader is an electronic device, so it is refused where electronics are banned for the public.
At jury duty
A book is the most recommended thing to bring to jury duty, since waits can last hours. E-readers are usually fine in the assembly room.
Tips
- Bring a paper book if you are not sure about the device rule.
104 of the 399 large county courthouses we track ban phones for the general public. Electronics rules follow the phone rule, so look up your courthouse: phone policy by county or the phone checker.
Other Items
- a Laptop
- a Smartwatch (Apple Watch)
- AirPods or Headphones
- Food and Snacks
- a Water Bottle
- a Phone Charger or Power Bank
- Medication
- a Vape or E-Cigarette
- a Pocket Knife
- Pepper Spray
- an Umbrella
- Your Children
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bring a book or kindle to court?
Books are allowed everywhere; e-readers follow the electronics rule. Paper books and magazines pass security in every courthouse. An e-reader is an electronic device, so it is refused where electronics are banned for the public.
Can you bring a book or kindle to jury duty?
A book is the most recommended thing to bring to jury duty, since waits can last hours. E-readers are usually fine in the assembly room.