Can You Bring Your Children to Court or Jury Duty? (2026)
Short answer: Allowed in the building, but not recommended in courtrooms. Each courthouse sets its own security rules, so check yours before you go.
At court (visitors, defendants, witnesses)
Children can enter courthouses, but judges may ask that they wait outside the courtroom. Some courthouses have a children's waiting room. Bring another adult if possible.
At jury duty
Jurors cannot bring children into the jury room. If you have no childcare, ask the jury office for a postponement.
Tips
- Ask the court about a children's waiting room before you go.
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.
Related: How to postpone jury duty
Other Items
- a Laptop
- a Smartwatch (Apple Watch)
- AirPods or Headphones
- Food and Snacks
- a Water Bottle
- a Book or Kindle
- a Phone Charger or Power Bank
- Medication
- a Vape or E-Cigarette
- a Pocket Knife
- Pepper Spray
- an Umbrella
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bring your children to court?
Allowed in the building, but not recommended in courtrooms. Children can enter courthouses, but judges may ask that they wait outside the courtroom. Some courthouses have a children's waiting room. Bring another adult if possible.
Can you bring your children to jury duty?
Jurors cannot bring children into the jury room. If you have no childcare, ask the jury office for a postponement.