Courthouse Entry Information-General Public

Courthouse Restrictions and Courtroom Etiquette

Pickens County Sheriff's Office provides security for the Pickens County Courthouse. Careful screening procedures are utilized to assure the safety of everyone.

Courthouse Security will NOT hold any personal property that is not permitted in the courthouse. See list of prohibited items and current policies below.

Prohibited Items:
NO firearms or weapons of any type
NO cutting instruments of any type, including knives, scissors, or anything with a cutting edge
NO sharp objects, including knitting needles
NO tools of any type
NO aerosol sprays or containers, including mace, pepper spray, hairspray, etc.
NO food or drink

No Bag Policy
In accordance with new safety and security guidelines, bags, backpacks, and purses will not be permitted inside the courthouse effective 1/1/2024.

Wallet-size clutches no larger than 5" x 7", medical bags or parenting/diaper bags no larger than 14" x 14" x 6" are permitted. Any medical or parenting bags (child must be present) that are exempted are subject to security screening.

**This policy does not apply to attorneys, court employees, law enforcement, or other government employees entering the courthouse for official business**

Attorneys and their belongings will be subject to search and/or scan prior to entering the courthouse. Attorneys meeting with clients inside the courthouse who are in the custody of the Pickens County Sheriff's Office may be subject to additional searches. Attorneys will need to arrive in sufficient time to go through the security screening process and will not be permitted to bypass the line.

Food and Beverage Policy
All food items and beverages are prohibited from being brought into the courthouse.

Smoking Policy
Smoking is prohibited inside the courthouse and within 25 feet of entrances and air intakes. This includes the use of "E-Cigarettes", "Vaping" and other forms of smoking accessories.

Courtroom Etiquette
Proper dress is required. NO shorts, tank tops, or hats are allowed in any courtroom.
Upon entering the courtroom, turn off your cell phone or place in "silent" mode.
NO children are allowed in the courtroom.
Follow the instructions and directions of the courtroom deputy, bailiffs, and courtroom personnel at all times.
When addressing the judge, stand, speak clearly, and address the judge as "Judge" or "Your Honor".
Do not approach the bench. If there is something you would like to show the judge, please ask and then give it to the courtroom deputy or clerk to hand to the judge.

Use of Electronic Devices in the Courthouse
By Order of the Supreme Court of South Carolina, the following rules apply to this courthouse:
NO use of Electronic Devices at counter or window of Clerk of Court's office
NO making phone calls immediately outside courtrooms
NO use of Electronic Devices in posted areas
NO use of Electronic Devices in courtroom without express permission of presiding Judge
NO making photographs, audio or video recordings or broadcast audio or video recordings within the courthouse or courtroom while Court is in session except as allowed by the presiding Judge; otherwise ONLY as allowed by the Clerk of Court

While in the courthouse, all Electronic Devices shall be powered off or placed in "silent" mode at all times.

Violation of this prohibition can result in confiscation of Electronic Device and violator can be sanctioned by the court.

To review or obtain a copy of the Administrative Order of the Supreme Court of South Carolina "RE: Electronic Devices in Courthouses" (March 10, 2023), please check with the Clerk of Court's office or follow the link below.

Administrative Order-Electronic Devices