TexasCHLforum.com

LR95S97 wrote:I had the privaledge to serve as a juror today at the JP court in Harris County today.

My understanding of the law (section 46.03 (3) ) is that weapons are not allowed (with certian excpetions) in a courtroom, so I left my weapon in the car

We jurors are seated on the left side of the courtroom (before the proceedings begin), and the plaintiff attorney leans (with this back to us) up/over a wooden railing to grab some paperwork, printing a weapon in a SOB holster?!?!?!?!?

The defendent/defendent attorney did not show for the proceedings, so we where dismissed.

I purposefully was the last one out the courtroom, and asked the baliff "it is my understanding of the law that the only persons allowed to posses weapons in this building are judges and law enforcement". He responded that "anyone can carry a weapon in this building, but the courthouse in downtown Houston, with all the metal detectors and security, does not allow weapons".

Before I contact the judge, I want to confirm my interpretation of the law.

In advance, thanks for the forums' feedback......

LR95S97 wrote:'Conact the judge' is in reference to educating his staff about the conceal/carry laws.

The attorney should know it is against the law to carry in the courtroom (but that is a different subject that does not concern me)

Sec. 46.03. PLACES WEAPONS PROHIBITED. (a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possesses or goes with a firearm, illegal knife, club, or prohibited weapon listed in Section 46.05(a): (3) on the premises of any government court or offices utilized by the court, unless pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the court;

LR95S97 wrote:It was not overly concerned that the attorney was carrying in the courtroom, and therefore I did not feel it prudent to braoch the subject during the proceeding.

The bailiff's response did concern me, and that is why I feel (once my interpretion of the law is confirmed) that the judge needs to be made aware of the situation (so as to educate his staff).

So, is my interpretation of the law correct?

Sec. 46.03. PLACES WEAPONS PROHIBITED. (a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possesses or goes with a firearm, illegal knife, club, or prohibited weapon listed in Section 46.05(a):
(1) on the physical premises of a school or educational institution, any grounds or building on which an activity sponsored by a school or educational institution is being conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or educational institution, whether the school or educational institution is public or private, unless pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the institution;
(2) on the premises of a polling place on the day of an election or while early voting is in progress;
(3) in any government court or offices utilized by the court, unless pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the court;
(4) on the premises of a racetrack; or
(5) in or into a secured area of an airport.
(b) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsections (a)(1)-(4) that the actor possessed a firearm while in the actual discharge of his official duties as a member of the armed forces or national guard or a guard employed by a penal institution, or an officer of the court.

LR95S97 wrote:It was not overly concerned that the attorney was carrying in the courtroom, and therefore I did not feel it prudent to braoch the subject during the proceeding.

The bailiff's response did concern me, and that is why I feel (once my interpretion of the law is confirmed) that the judge needs to be made aware of the situation (so as to educate his staff).

So, is my interpretation of the law correct?

WildBill wrote:I agree with Steve that the judge can establish rules for his own court so that may be the case in the OP.