What the court allows you to bring

You can bring a phone, a book, a notebook, pen, and water or a beverage in a closed container. You can also bring snacks, glasses, hearing aids, and necessary medications. Most courts allow you to keep your phone during jury selection and breaks, though you must turn it off or silence it in the courtroom itself. Some courts have specific rules about phone use during deliberation — ask the bailiff when you arrive.

Bring your juror summons and a photo ID. These are the two documents you will need to check in. If you have a medical condition that requires documentation, bring that too — for example, a letter from your doctor about a mobility issue or a prescription bottle showing you need medication at certain times.

Comfortable clothing and shoes matter more than you might think. You will sit for hours, sometimes in a room that is too cold or too warm. Layers help. A light jacket or sweater is practical. Avoid clothing with slogans, political messages, or images that could signal bias to other jurors or the judge.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your summons, a photo ID, water, snacks, a book or notebook, and any medications or medical devices you need.
  • Your phone must be silenced or off in the courtroom, and many courts prohibit phone use during jury selection and deliberation.
  • Do not bring weapons, recording devices, cameras, laptops, or tablets into the courthouse.
  • If you have a medical condition or accessibility need, bring documentation and tell the judge or bailiff when you check in.
  • Wear comfortable, neutral clothing without political messages or logos that could influence how other jurors see you.

Items you cannot bring into the courthouse

Weapons are prohibited — this includes firearms, knives, pepper spray, and any object designed to harm. Even if you have a permit to carry outside the courthouse, you cannot bring weapons inside. If you arrive with a weapon, court staff will direct you to leave it in your car or at home before you can enter.

Recording devices, cameras, and video equipment are not allowed. This includes your phone's camera function in many courtrooms. Laptops and tablets are typically prohibited as well, though some courts make exceptions for people with documented disabilities who use them for accessibility. Ask the bailiff if you are unsure.

Do not bring large bags, backpacks, or luggage. A small purse or briefcase is usually fine. Avoid bringing valuables you cannot watch constantly — the courthouse is not responsible for lost or stolen items, and you will not have secure storage during the trial.

What happens if you try to bring a prohibited item

Court security will stop you at the entrance and ask you to leave the item outside, return it to your car, or go home and come back without it. This can make you late to check-in, which may result in a contempt charge or a fine. The process is not punitive — it is standard security — but it does cost you time.

If you forget and bring something prohibited, tell a court officer immediately when you arrive. Do not try to hide it or bring it into the courtroom. Honesty and cooperation work in your favor if there is any question about your intent.

Accessibility items and medical needs

If you use a cane, walker, wheelchair, or other mobility device, bring it. Courthouses are required to accommodate these under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you use a service animal, bring documentation that it is trained to perform a specific task — emotional support animals are not permitted in all courtrooms, but service animals are.

If you take medication on a schedule, bring it in its original labeled container. The court will not stop you from taking necessary medication during breaks. If you have a condition that requires you to eat at specific times or to use the restroom frequently, mention this to the judge or bailiff when you check in. They can often arrange breaks or seating near an exit to accommodate you.

Hearing aids, glasses, dentures, and other medical devices are always permitted. If you need a cushion for back pain or a footrest, ask the bailiff — many courtrooms have these available or will allow you to bring your own.

What to leave at home

Do not bring work materials, a laptop, or anything that suggests you plan to work during jury duty. Courts take a dim view of jurors who appear to treat the trial as an inconvenience. Even if you are not actively working, having a laptop visible can prejudice the judge or other jurors against you.

Do not bring alcohol or illegal drugs. Do not bring anything that could be mistaken for a weapon, even if it is not one — a letter opener, a tool, or a toy gun can all trigger security concerns and delay your entry.

Do not bring children unless the court has specifically told you to. Most courthouses do not allow children in the courtroom during trial, and childcare is not provided. If you cannot find childcare, tell the judge during jury selection — this is a legitimate reason to ask to be excused, and courts understand it.

Practical items that make jury duty more bearable

Bring a book, magazine, or e-reader for waiting time. You will spend time in a jury assembly room before selection begins, and there is often downtime between court sessions. Having something to read makes the wait much shorter.

A notebook and pen are useful if you want to take notes during the trial. Not all courts allow juror note-taking, so ask the judge on the first day. If you are allowed to take notes, bring a small pad and pen — do not bring a laptop or tablet for this purpose.

Bring a water bottle or ask for water during breaks. Staying hydrated helps you focus during long testimony. Many courthouses have water fountains, but bringing your own bottle is more reliable. Avoid caffeine if you are sensitive to it — you will be sitting still for hours, and too much coffee can make you jittery or need the restroom frequently.

Wear a watch or bring a phone you can check during breaks. Trials often run on a tight schedule, and you need to know when to return from lunch or a recess. Do not rely on the bailiff to come find you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my phone into the courtroom?

You can bring your phone, but it must be silenced or turned off before you enter the courtroom. Many courts prohibit phone use during jury selection and deliberation entirely. Ask the bailiff about your specific court's policy when you arrive. During breaks, you can usually use your phone in the hallway or jury room.

What if I have a medical condition and need to bring documentation?

Bring the documentation with you and show it to the bailiff or judge when you check in. This might be a letter from your doctor, a prescription bottle, or a medical alert card. The court will keep this private and will work with you to make reasonable accommodations, such as allowing you to sit near an exit or take medication breaks.

Can I bring a laptop to take notes during the trial?

Most courts do not allow laptops in the courtroom. If you want to take notes, bring a pen and paper. Ask the judge on the first day whether note-taking is permitted — some trials allow it and some do not. If the judge says no, you cannot take notes, even on paper.

What happens if I accidentally bring a prohibited item?

Tell a court officer immediately when you arrive. Security will ask you to leave it outside, take it to your car, or go home and return without it. Being honest and cooperative prevents delays and shows respect for the court process. Do not try to hide a prohibited item or bring it into the courtroom.

Can I bring my child to jury duty?

No. Courthouses do not allow children in the courtroom during trial, and childcare is not provided. If you cannot find childcare, tell the judge during jury selection — this is a valid reason to ask to be excused from service. Courts understand that childcare is a real barrier and will work with you.