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Court Etiquette and Security

Court Etiquette

No person shall appear in Court barefoot, shirtless, wearing a tank top, wearing sunglasses, or dress in any manner reflecting poorly upon the dignity of the Court and its decorum. The bailiffs of the Court are to remove any person violating this rule. This rule does not limit any judge from additionally prescribing appropriate attire or conduct rules in the Courtroom.

Cellular phones, pagers and all other electronic communication or recording devices not specifically authorized by a judge, must be turned off prior to entering the Courtroom. Any cellular phone, pager or other electronic communication device which disrupts the proceedings, shall be subject to confiscation by the bailiffs of the Court.

Court Security

Entrance Screening Stations:

All persons wishing to enter the Courthouse must go through the security screening process. The security screening includes passing through a metal detector and all bags going through an x-ray machine.

When you enter the courthouse there will be signs directing you to the screening equipment. Remove watches, phones, pagers, items in your pockets, purses, coffee cups or any other loose items you may be carrying, bags, large coats, and hats. Place items in the bins that will be available. Do not remove rings or small necklaces. If you set off the screener after walking through, security may hand wand the area in the zones indicated by the alarm. Any time you exit the courthouse and re-enter you will have to go through the screening process.

Items prohibited by Statute are as follows:

Any item or article having the potential to inflict or cause physical harm shall be inspected to determine whether it has been filed, sharpened, honed, or in any other manner altered to the extent that it meets the definition of prohibited weapons as defined in Penal Code Sections 12020 and 171b. Prohibited weapons include but are not limited to firearms, Stun guns or tasers, switch blade knives/gravity knives having a blade longer than two inches, tear gas, explosives.

Other items that are prohibited are as follows:

  • Large tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and hammers, in excess of 6 inches in length. Screwdrivers are not to exceed 2 inches in length.
  • Ice picks
  • Darts
  • Letter openers
  • Pieces of heavy-duty wire/heavy gauge chains with an overall length in excess of 24 inches
  • Laser pointers – except those used by attorneys in courtroom presentations
  • Skateboards/skates
  • Needles/syringes possessed by non-diabetic persons without a prescription
  • Handcuff keys – except those possessed by sworn peace officers
  • "Come-along" sticks/key chain size
  • Flammable liquids

NOTE: You may not leave any prohibited items with Security. They will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.

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