15 Rude Courthouse Behaviors That Could Get Virginians Kicked Out

Courthouses are some of the most serious places you can walk into. Whether you’re there for jury duty, traffic court, or a family case, the atmosphere is heavy—and for good reason.

But some Virginians walk through those big glass doors acting like they’re visiting a food court instead of a courtroom.

From bad manners to flat-out disrespect, these are the rude behaviors that courthouse staff, judges, and fellow visitors deal with far too often.

Dressing Like It’s a Beach Day

Courthouses don’t expect you to show up in black tie attire. But arriving in tank tops, pajamas, or flip-flops is a quick way to get the wrong kind of attention.

Some judges have even thrown people out or postponed cases because of how someone was dressed, if it was against the local dress code.

If you’re a witness or part of a jury pool, how you dress arguably matters even more.

Looking presentable shows respect for the process and the people involved. You don’t need to wear a suit, but you should at least look like you tried.

Walking in like you just rolled out of bed makes it harder for people to take you seriously. And in court, being taken seriously matters.

Bringing a Whole Entourage

It’s one thing to bring a spouse or close friend for support. It’s another to roll in with six relatives, two neighbors, and someone livestreaming on Instagram.

Large groups crowd hallways, create distractions, and often ignore basic rules like keeping quiet or staying seated during hearings.

It puts pressure on court staff and security, too.

In emotional cases, having a big group can even stir up tension, especially if both sides bring a crowd. Things get tense fast, and in some cases, confrontational.

If you’re attending court, keep your support team small and respectful.

Talking Loudly in the Hallways

Courthouse hallways aren’t the place to treat like your living room. But plenty of people pull out their phones and start chatting like they’re at a cookout.

You’ll hear conversations about everything—work drama, what someone had for breakfast, even personal court cases.

The echo in those hallways only makes it worse.

Some folks don’t even realize the people they’re disturbing might be going through incredibly difficult moments. A whispered “good luck” is fine. A full-blown play-by-play of last night’s game?

Not so much.

It’s not just annoying—loud hallway chatter can distract people heading into hearings and show a lack of basic awareness.

Ignoring the Security Line Rules

Courthouses always come with metal detectors and security checkpoints. And yet, every single day, someone acts like it’s their first time at an airport.

They argue with security officers. They bring in banned items like pocket knives or vape pens. They hold up the line by not removing keys, belts, or phones.

What they don’t realize is, courthouse security isn’t optional—it’s law. Delaying the line because you didn’t check your pockets?

That’s not just rude, it’s selfish.

Courthouse staff have tight schedules. When you make everyone wait because you didn’t plan ahead, you’re wasting their time too.

Bringing Loud or Unattended Kids

We get it—childcare isn’t always easy to find. But bringing a toddler to a courtroom without snacks, toys, or supervision is asking for trouble.

Some parents let their kids run up and down the hallways, play on the floor, or shout out during proceedings. It’s distracting for everyone.

And if you’re involved in a case, having your child cry or scream mid-hearing can actually harm how others perceive your testimony or presence.

Courthouses aren’t playgrounds. If you must bring kids, keep them close, keep them quiet, and bring what they need to stay calm.

Eating and Drinking Where You Shouldn’t

That iced coffee might be your lifeline at 9 a.m., but walking into a courtroom with it is a no-go. Same goes for chips, gum, or sandwiches.

Even outside the courtroom, food and drinks can create messes fast. Spilled soda on a tile floor? Sticky candy wrappers on benches?

It’s not a good look.

Security officers are often forced to confiscate drinks and snacks at the door, which leads to delays and frustration, especially when people argue about it.

Keep your coffee in the car and save the granola bar for after. Courthouse rules aren’t just there to be annoying—they’re there to keep things clean and orderly.

Showing Up Late

Judges are strict about time.

So when someone strolls into a courthouse ten minutes after the hearing starts, it throws off the whole schedule and wastes everyone’s time.

Showing up late can lead to your case being delayed, rescheduled, or even dismissed. If you’re part of a jury pool, it could get you removed from consideration.

Worse, some people don’t apologize or explain. They act like everyone should be fine waiting on them.

That’s not just rude, it’s entitled.

Always allow extra time for traffic, parking, and getting through security. Being early isn’t just polite—it could save your case.

Arguing With Staff

Court clerks, security officers, and bailiffs aren’t there to fight with you. Yet nearly every day, at least one person decides to test their patience.

They complain about wait times, question courtroom procedures, or insist the rules don’t apply to them. Some even get combative when told to put their phone away.

What they forget is that courthouse staff are just doing their jobs, and most of them have heard it all before.

Yelling won’t get you anywhere but escorted out.

Treating staff with respect isn’t optional. They keep things running smoothly, and they deserve better than constant backtalk.

Leaving Trash Behind

It’s amazing how many people treat courthouse benches like fast-food tables. Empty coffee cups, gum wrappers, crumpled tissues—some folks leave it all behind without a second thought.

Cleaning crews do their best. But when people leave a mess, it slows everything down and makes public spaces feel gross for the next person.

Even in the jury assembly rooms or waiting areas, you’ll see half-empty water bottles left on chairs or snack crumbs on the floor. It’s not just rude—it’s lazy.

Courthouses aren’t your living room. If you brought something in, take it with you when you leave.

Not Turning Phones Off

There’s always that one phone that rings during a hearing. Or the person texting with their brightness set to “blinding” mode. Or worse—recording without permission.

It’s distracting, disrespectful, and in some courtrooms, illegal. Judges can fine people or have them removed for even a single phone violation.

And yet, people still check Instagram mid-hearing, scroll TikTok in jury duty waiting rooms, or try to sneak a selfie in front of the courtroom door.

If your phone is with you, silence it and keep it away. Courthouses aren’t the place to live-stream your life.

Being Rude to Jurors

Jury duty might not be glamorous, but it’s a civic responsibility. And when people treat jurors like they’re wasting space—or worse, talk down to them—it crosses a line.

Jurors don’t ask to be there. They’re not allowed to talk about the case or even leave until they’re dismissed.

Rolling your eyes or making snide comments isn’t helpful.

In some situations, parties or spectators try to influence jurors with looks, whispers, or comments. That behavior can be grounds for a mistrial.

Treat jurors with respect. They’re doing one of the hardest, most thankless jobs in the entire system.

Whispering in the Courtroom

You might think you’re being quiet. But in a courtroom, even soft whispers carry. Judges can hear—and don’t like it.

People whisper to their friends, their family, or even their lawyers during someone else’s case. It comes off as distracting and disrespectful.

Even if you’re not involved in the case at hand, you’re expected to remain silent and attentive.

You never know who’s watching—or how it could affect proceedings.

There’s a reason people say courtrooms are like libraries. If you wouldn’t whisper in front of a judge at the bench, don’t do it in the pews either.

Making Faces or Gestures

Some folks can’t help themselves. They roll their eyes, scoff loudly, or throw their hands in the air when they hear something they don’t like.

This kind of behavior is rude in any setting. But in court, it’s risky. Judges notice. Attorneys notice.

And if you’re involved in the case, it could hurt your credibility.

Even spectators should keep a neutral face. Making faces during someone else’s testimony is not only rude, but it could also be seen as trying to intimidate.

A poker face might not come naturally, but it’s the safest bet inside a courtroom.

Treating Court Like Entertainment

Court isn’t a spectator sport. But some people walk in with snacks, sit in the back, and act like they’re watching daytime TV.

They laugh at testimony. Nudge each other during heated arguments. Even take notes. Not for legal reasons, but just for gossip.

It’s deeply disrespectful to everyone involved, especially in family or criminal cases.

Real people’s lives are being affected—this isn’t a reality show.

If you’re attending as a member of the public, act with the seriousness the situation deserves. Courtroom cases aren’t supposed to be fun.

Disrespecting the Judge’s Orders

Whether it’s standing at the wrong time or speaking out of turn, people break courtroom protocol more often than you’d think.

Sometimes it’s intentional. Other times it’s just ignorance. But either way, disrespecting the judge is a quick way to make your day go badly.