What the court allows you to bring

Most courts let you bring a notebook and pen, your phone (though you cannot use it during testimony or deliberation), and any medications you need. You can also bring reading material for the waiting period before the trial starts, though the court may ask you to put it away once jury selection begins. Bring your summons or any paperwork the court sent you — you will need it to check in.

Food and water are usually permitted, though some courthouses have vending machines or a cafeteria. If you have a medical condition that requires you to eat at specific times, bring snacks and let the judge know during jury selection. The same applies to water if you take medications that require it.

If you wear glasses, hearing aids, or other medical devices, bring them. If you need a cushion for your back or a footrest because of a disability, ask the court clerk when you arrive — many courthouses keep these on hand or will let you bring your own.

What you cannot bring into the courtroom

You cannot bring weapons of any kind, including pocket knives, pepper spray, or firearms. Most courthouses have metal detectors at the entrance, and security will confiscate anything prohibited. You also cannot bring alcohol or illegal drugs.

Laptops, tablets, and recording devices are not allowed. Your phone must be turned off or on silent during the trial — not vibrate, which can still be heard in a quiet courtroom. Do not bring a camera or any device that records audio or video.

Bags larger than a standard purse or backpack may not be permitted, depending on the courthouse. Call ahead if you need to bring a large bag for medical equipment or other necessities, and explain what is in it. The court can usually accommodate you with advance notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your summons, a notebook, pen, medications, and any medical devices or aids you use daily.
  • You can bring your phone but it must be off or silent during the trial, and you cannot use it in the courtroom.
  • Weapons, recording devices, alcohol, and illegal drugs are never permitted and will be confiscated at security.
  • If you need special accommodations like a cushion or extra water breaks because of a medical condition, tell the judge during jury selection.
  • Call the courthouse ahead of time if you are unsure whether a specific item is allowed, especially medical equipment or mobility aids.

What to do with prohibited items

If you arrive with something the court will not allow, you have a few options. You can leave it in your car if you drove. Some courthouses have a coat check or secure storage area where you can leave a bag or jacket. If neither is available and you cannot return to your car, ask the court clerk — they sometimes hold items during the trial and return them when you are dismissed.

Plan ahead if you know you will have items you cannot bring. If you take a medication that requires you to eat at a certain time, bring a snack and mention it during jury selection. If you have a mobility aid or medical device, call the courthouse the day before to confirm it is allowed and where you should store it during the trial.

Medications and medical needs during jury duty

Bring all medications you take regularly, including over-the-counter pain relievers, allergy medicine, or inhalers. You can take these during breaks, and the judge will usually allow you to step out briefly if you need to take something during the trial. Tell the judge about your medication during jury selection so they know to expect a break.

If your condition requires you to stand, sit in a specific way, or take frequent breaks, mention it when you are called to the jury box. Courts are required to make reasonable accommodations for jurors with disabilities or medical conditions. This might mean a different chair, a footrest, permission to stand in the back of the courtroom, or more frequent breaks.

Dress code and what not to wear

There is no strict dress code for jury duty, but dress as you would for a job interview or professional meeting. Avoid very casual clothing like gym wear, tank tops, or clothes with offensive language or images. The judge and attorneys form impressions during jury selection, and your appearance can affect how seriously they take you as a juror.

Wear comfortable shoes — you may be standing or sitting for hours. If you have a religious head covering or other religious garment you wear daily, you can wear it. If you are unsure whether something is appropriate, err on the side of dressing more formally rather than less.

What happens if you try to bring something prohibited

Security at the courthouse entrance will stop you and ask you to leave the item, put it in your car, or dispose of it. This happens to many people and is not a problem — just plan to arrive a few minutes early so you have time to handle it. If you refuse to surrender a prohibited item, you may be denied entry to the courthouse or face other consequences.

If you realize after you are dismissed that you left something behind, contact the courthouse clerk's office. They keep lost and found items for a set period, usually 30 to 90 days depending on the courthouse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my emotional support animal to jury duty?

Service animals trained to perform a specific task for a disability are allowed in the courtroom. Emotional support animals without specific training are usually not permitted in the courtroom itself, though you may be able to leave them in a secure area during the trial. Call the courthouse ahead of time to discuss your situation and what accommodations they can make.

What if I need to bring a caregiver or interpreter with me?

Yes, you can bring a caregiver or interpreter if you need one. Tell the court clerk when you arrive, and let the judge know during jury selection. The court will make space for them and may allow them to sit near you during the trial.

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

Most courts allow you to bring a notebook and pen, and many encourage jurors to take notes. However, the judge will give you instructions about note-taking during jury selection — some trials allow it throughout, while others restrict it to certain phases. Ask before you start writing.

What if I need to bring a breast pump or other medical equipment?

Call the courthouse before your jury duty date and explain what you need. Courts are required to provide reasonable accommodations, which may include a private space to use medical equipment and breaks to do so. Having advance notice makes it much easier for the court to arrange this.

Can I bring a book or headphones to pass the time while waiting?

Yes, you can bring a book or other reading material for the waiting area before jury selection starts. Once you are in the courtroom, the judge may ask you to put it away. Headphones are generally not allowed because you need to hear announcements and instructions from court staff.