Supreme Court of the United States
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Entering the Building & Prohibited Items


Before entering the Supreme Court Building, all visitors are screened by a magnetometer and all personal belongings are screened by an x-ray machine.

To ensure the safety of visitors and staff and to preserve the collections, facilities, and historic building and grounds, the following items are strictly prohibited inside the building:

Food Food or beverages of any kind, including unopened packaged food
Liquid Liquid, including water (Empty water bottles are permitted)
Bag Any bag larger than 18" wide x 14" high x 8.5" deep
Aerosol Aerosol containers and non-aerosol spray, mace, and pepper spray
Gun Guns, replica guns, electric stun guns, ammunition, martial arts weapons or devices, and fireworks
Knife Knives of any size and any pointed objects (Pens and pencils are permitted)
Razor Razors and box cutters
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Please note that the Supreme Court Police are authorized to determine if any other items may pose a potential safety hazard and to make exceptions if a prohibited item is determined to be necessary and required for medical or other special needs.



Attending Court Sessions

All visitors attending Court sessions will be screened prior to accessing the Courtroom.

The following items are strictly prohibited in the Courtroom while Court is in session:

  • Electronic devices of any kind (laptops, cameras, video recorders, cell phones, tablets, smart watches, etc.)
  • Food or beverages
  • Briefcases, purses or bags, hats, overcoats, sunglasses
  • Identification tags (other than military)
  • Books, magazines, etc. (Notepads are permitted)
  • Strollers
  • Wearing or displaying political buttons or attire
  • Inappropriate clothing

The Supreme Court Police are authorized to make exceptions if a prohibited item is determined to be necessary and required for medical or other special needs.

A checkroom is available on the first floor to check coats and other personal belongings. Lockers are available to hold personal belongings. The checkroom and lockers close 30 minutes after Court adjourns. Please remove your items immediately upon departing the Courtroom. The Supreme Court is not responsible for personal items left in the checkroom or lockers.



 

SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES 1 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20543