What should a court officer do when a court user has clothing or written signs related to a pending case?

• A. Ignore the item and proceed with proceedings.
• B. Cover the item with tape.
• C. Ask the user to sign a waiver and continue.
• D. Have the court user remove the item from public view; if they refuse, remove them from the court facility.

Answer: (D)

Keeping the courtroom neutral and orderly means preventing any clothing or signs that advocate or reveal information about a pending case from being visible to the public. Such displays can influence potential jurors, intimidate witnesses, or inflame passions, undermining the right to a fair trial and the safety of everyone in the building. The appropriate action is to have the court user remove the item from public view. If they refuse, the officer should remove them from the court facility to maintain safety and decorum while the proceedings continue. This approach balances respect for individuals with the need to protect the integrity of the trial and the security of the courthouse.