What to Wear and Bring to Obion County Court: Visitor Dress Code & Security Checklist
Going to court can be stressful, especially if it's your first time. Dressing conservatively and leaving the wrong items at home helps you get through security and into the courtroom without delays.
For Obion County court, think "church clothes." The courthouse enforces a dress code, and people do get turned away for clothing that's too casual, too revealing, or looks disruptive. When in doubt, go with clean, neat, modest clothes that fully cover you and fit properly.
- ✓ Shorts (choose long pants or a knee-length skirt instead)
- ✓ Tank tops, revealing tops, or halter tops (pick a t-shirt, blouse, or collared shirt with full coverage)
- ✓ Clothing with holes or rips (wear intact, non-distressed clothing)
- ✓ Pajamas (wear regular day clothes)
- ✓ Sagging pants (wear a proper fit at the waist)
- ✓ Gang-related clothing
- ✓ House shoes (wear regular shoes)
Tip: If you want the least hassle at the door, dress modestly and keep it simple. The goal is to avoid anything an officer could consider inappropriate for court.
Prohibited Items
- ✓ Cellphones
- ✓ Purses
- ✓ Bags (including small personal bags)
- ✓ Briefcases
- ✓ Knives
- ✓ Weapons of any kind
- ✓ Food
- ✓ Drinks
Security screens everyone before they enter the courtroom. If you bring something that's not allowed, you'll be stopped at the entrance and have to take it back out before you can go in.
You'll go through security before entering the courtroom. Access to the upstairs court offices requires passing through screening, and security staff can also decide whether your clothing is appropriate for court.
- Plan your timing - Court offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and you should build in extra time for security screening.
- Clear out prohibited items before you enter - Leave cellphones, purses, bags, briefcases, weapons (including knives), and any food or drink out of the building.
- Dress for the dress code - Avoid shorts, tank or halter tops, ripped or holey clothing, pajamas, sagging pants, gang-related clothing, and house shoes.
- Follow screening instructions - Visitors are screened before entering the courtroom, so be ready to do what the security officer asks so you can get through promptly.
- Ask what caused the denial - A quick question at the door can save you a second trip through screening.
- Fix the issue and come back - If it’s clothing or a prohibited item, change clothes or take the item back out and return.
- Ask about options for securing items - If you arrived with something you can’t bring in, ask whether there is a place to secure it. Do not assume storage is available.
If you still can't get inside or you're going to miss what you came for, contact the court clerk's office for guidance. The courthouse offices are typically reachable Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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