Rule 6.150.Weapons and Dangerous Instruments in the Courtroom

The rule attaches to intent and to a moment. A party who intends to offer weapons or other hazardous materials in evidence at an evidentiary hearing or trial must complete these steps before bringing the items into the courtroom. Doing it at counsel table is too late.

For weapons the requirements are concrete. All firearms, BB guns, and pellet guns to be offered must be unloaded and either rendered inoperable or fitted with a trigger guard. Guns and ammunition must be kept separate at all times, not merely at the moment of display. Knives, scissors, and any other sharp object that could penetrate the skin must be sealed in puncture-proof containers, given secure and protective sheaths, or otherwise rendered harmless.

For other hazardous materials the rule names two measures. Hypodermic needles need covers over the needle points and must be sealed in a transparent puncture-proof bag. Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and biological substances need an unbreakable, transparent tube that locks on one end, so the item can be handled and viewed safely without being opened.

The rule's own 1990 note supplies the release valve. The court may grant an exception for good cause shown under UTCR 1.100, and the committee that wrote the rule intended exceptions where a requirement would affect a weapon's mechanical operation and that operation is itself an evidentiary issue. If whether the gun could fire is the question in the case, say so and ask.