Obion County Courtroom Rules and Why You Must Not Try to Contact an Inmate
Going to court in Obion County? A little prep goes a long way. These rules are enforced—and the fastest way to get turned away is bringing prohibited items, wearing the wrong clothes, or trying to communicate with an inmate in the courtroom.
Leave knives and weapons at home. Bring anything like that and security will stop you - your day in court will go sideways fast.
Cell phones aren't allowed during trial. Same goes for other communication devices. Once court is in session, no texting, no calls - keep it put away and out of sight.
Skip the purse, bag, or briefcase. They're not allowed in the courtroom, and bringing one means delays at screening or a trip back to your car.
No snacks or drinks inside the courtroom. Finish up before you enter.
Everyone passes through security screening before entering the courts. The checkpoint catches prohibited items, so arrive with as little as possible - and nothing on the banned list.
Dress code is enforced. The common problems: shorts and revealing tops. Tank tops and halter tops count as revealing, so go with something more conservative if you don't want to be turned away.
Court isn't the place for pajamas or house shoes. Sagging pants are also prohibited. When in doubt, dress like you're heading to a serious appointment - put-together and properly fitting.
Avoid anything that could look gang-related. Ripped or holey clothing stays home too - even if it's fashionable, it still violates the dress code.
Don't try to talk to an inmate in the courtroom. Don't try to communicate "quietly" either. Obion County's rule is clear: anyone attempting contact with inmates - verbal or hand gestures - gets escorted out.
Tip: Don’t wave, mouth words, pass signals, or try to get an inmate’s attention. If you want to stay in the courtroom, keep your focus on the proceedings.
Practical Checklist
- ✓ Leave knives and weapons at home (or secured elsewhere before you arrive)
- ✓ Don’t bring a purse, bag, or briefcase into the courtroom
- ✓ Plan for security screening before you can enter the courts
- ✓ Keep food and drinks out of the courtroom
- ✓ Do not use a cell phone (or other communication device) during trial
- ✓ Wear appropriate clothing: no shorts and no revealing tops (including tank or halter tops)
- ✓ Skip pajamas, house shoes, and sagging pants
- ✓ Avoid gang-related clothing and clothing with holes or rips
- ✓ Do not talk to, gesture to, or attempt any contact with inmates - doing so can get you escorted out
Planning around Grand Jury? Obion County's Grand Jury meets the first Tuesday of February, June, and October.
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