I've been summoned to Jury Duty. I'm resigning myself to the fact I will be bladeless for an entire day while in our county courthouse.<br><br>I was forced to go there last year to get my passport renewed (they closed all the other offices due to cutbacks), and it wasn't any fun at all. Metal detectors, searches, very serious men (no women?!), and leave your dignity at the door.<br><br>Anyway, do you folks have any suggestions in the way of preparedness? After I emptied my pockets of knives, can openers, bottle openers, and all my cool gear (all made of metal), there wasn't anything left!<br>

carry a mini-bic, twine, duct-tape, and FAK (without blades of course)<br><br>See this thread for some other interesting ideas. What you can take into a courthouse and an airliner are about the same but what you might need are probably different.

Okay, what's a "FAK?"

FAK = First Aid Kit

Oh. I was thinking "False Army Knife." Go figure.

Craig,<br><br>I include a large, white handkerchief (bandana in PC disguise); minature flashlight; and whistle.<br><br>Good luck,<br><br>John

You are probably fairly safe in a courtroom setting. The bailiff is deputized, armed, and doubtless quite competent. In my local courthouse, anything sharp is strictly out, but it is still a good idea to carry a small basic first aid kit and the rest of the non-edged material. You can keep a knife, etc. in your car.<br><br>A few years ago I sat on a jury for two and one-half months, and I had to be careful about what I brought into the courtroom. It can be done.

WOW a jury for 2 1/2 months? It is probably a good idea they take the knives away? I have had jurors seemingly ready to kill the lawyers at 2 1/2 weeks!<br><br>take care,<br><br>Robb

Craig-- I am sure all courthouses are different. I work in a rural county, so it might be much different, but no one here would raise an eyebrow at something like a leatherman micra on a keychain. I would suggest that you call the Court Clerk's Office, or the D.A.'s office and they can tell you exactly what the limits are. <br><br>Robb

I already carry a Princeton Tec Blast, Mini Fox 40 whistle, tiny REI compass, and two Photon II's (red and turquoise) with me everywhere. Don't have any white handkerchiefs. Will think about sticking my orange bandanna into a pocket.