NCJ Number
142010
Journal
State Court Journal Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1993) Pages: 22-23,29
Date Published
1993
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Emotional outbursts and violent incidents occuring in the courtroom, especially in cases involving divorce, child custody, or child support, threaten the fairness and impartiality of the judicial system.
Abstract
Fortunately, the most common type of violence, that involving spontaneous outbursts resulting from a domestic action, is the most easily prevented. Effective courthouse security requires a combination of structural and architectural elements, the use of security devices, proper security staffing, and the implementation of proper security policies and procedures. An essential element in courthouse security is the removal of weapons from the building. Each courthouse entrance should be staffed by at least two security officers. A common practice in many courthouses with entrance screening is to have a staff entrance to the courthouse where court staff do not need to pass through security. Another common practice is to permit attorneys and other professionals to bypass security, but this is a mistake. With few exceptions, everyone entering the courtroom should be required to pass through a security checkpoint. The controversial issue of whether police officers should be required to check their weapons for entering the courthouse is discussed. A list of general court security features is provided.