Courtrooms have plenty of rules that we expect. No phones, no weapons, that kind of thing. But there are also some rather strange things you’d never guess. We checked out some court guidelines across the country & here are fourteen surprising things that are banned. How many of these would’ve tripped you up?
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Books and magazines
You’re not allowed to flip through a magazine while waiting for arguments at the Supreme Court. The official rules ban books or magazines once the court’s in session. Sure, pencils & notepads are fine, but anything meant for reading is stopped. Now that’s one way to make sure everyone’s paying attention.
Sunglasses
It doesn’t matter that you came inside from blazing sunlight because you’ll have to leave your shades behind. They’re banned in the Supreme Court. This rule also includes hats & overcoats. Unless there’s a medical exception, you’ll be told to stash them before heading in because the Justices prefer clear eyes to dark lenses. And rightly so.
Strollers
Parents with little ones may bring strollers into parts of the Supreme Court building. As for the actual courtroom? That’s a stroller-free zone once arguments begin, and security won’t let you take it past the door. You’ll have to leave them in the check area until the hearing wraps up. It’s a rule that makes sense, though, since the aisles are tight enough already.
Identification tag
A ban like this one feels weirdly specific. Regular ID tags aren’t allowed inside the Supreme Court chamber, unless they’re military tags, and the court police keep an eye out for them. It’s not exactly clear why they’ve done this. Still, you’d better be careful if you ever take a trip here. Do you really want to be in trouble for a name badge? Didn’t think so.
Knitting and crochet needles
Maryland’s Prince George’s County has a long list of banned items. And some of the weirdest things on this list are knitting & crochet needles. Yep, the same ones people bring to relax in waiting rooms. Security says they’re sharp objects that could be used as weapons. As such, they’ll never make it through screening, and jurors can’t finish any scarves or sweaters.
Bicycle pumps
Another weird entry from the same Maryland list is bicycle pumps. It’s not just mini ones that are banned, as any size bicycle pump is off the list. Like knitting needles, officials claim these tools could double as a weapon. Any cyclists will need to find another place to top off their tires after court.
Ceramic mugs and plates
Save your favorite coffee mug for your home because several courts ban it. This ban includes ceramic bowls & plates. As such, you’ll either have to finish your drink outside or switch to disposable cups. Why ceramics? They’re hard & breakable, which makes them dangerous for inside.
Flashlights longer than three inches
Flashlights aren’t usually a problem in court, as long as they’re shorter than three inches. Many courts ban those that are longer. They’re treated as potential batons. It’s the kind of rule you’d only know about once security waves your keychain light through, but confiscates your glovebox torch.
Handcuff keychains
Novelty keychains shaped like handcuffs may seem harmless. Unfortunately, they’re entirely banned at certain courthouses, like Prince George’s County in Maryland. It doesn’t matter if they’re toy-sized because security will tell you to take them back to your car. At least that helps them avoid any confusion with the real thing.
Large hair picks and handled combs
Colorado’s Adams County has a ban on some grooming tools that you probably wouldn’t expect. Large hair picks & combs with handles aren’t allowed. The idea is that anything long or pointed could be a weapon, which they obviously don’t want. A fine-tooth pocket comb, maybe. Big handle? That’s not going inside.
Aerosol fragrances
Baltimore City has outlawed spray fragrances altogether in the courts. Whether they’re aerosol cans or perfumes, they’re all on the not-allowed list. You can still wear cologne. But spraying it inside is definitely not happening, so make sure you smell nice before you get through the door.
Corkscrews
In King County, Washington, security guards have banned corkscrews, regardless of whether they’re cheap plastic ones or fancy openers with a fold-out knife. They’re seen as sharp objects. Of course, why you’d take a corkscrew to court is a mystery, but that’s beside the point. No corkscrews allowed.
Metal nail files
A lot of people carry nail files without even thinking. Yet the metal ones won’t make it past security in many courts because they’re sharp enough to be flagged. Honestly, it doesn’t matter if you brought one along by accident. Security will take it anyway.
Musical instruments that make “artificial noise”
Courts don’t want surprise sounds interrupting a trial. That’s why in Duval County, Florida, they’ve banned instruments altogether, including the tiny ones. Harmonicas & kazoos are banned. As such, anything that can squeak or toot needs to be left behind, or else security will confiscate it.
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