Rule 6.180.Weapons and Hazardous Substances in the Court Facilities
Current through August 1, 2026 · Last verified September 12, 2026
Full Text of Rule 6.180
Plain-English Summary
The ban is broad in three ways. It covers a court facility, not just a courtroom. The rule does not define the term, so how far it reaches in a given courthouse is not a question this rule answers. It covers everyone, without distinguishing parties, lawyers, witnesses, and the public. And it covers a firearm, knife, device, or hazardous substance capable of inflicting death or physical injury, which sweeps in a great deal beyond the familiar weapons.
There are two ways out. A law enforcement officer is excepted by the text. Everyone else needs the court to order otherwise, which means asking in advance rather than explaining at the door.
This matters most for exhibits. A weapon offered in evidence is, by definition, possessed inside a court facility on its way to the courtroom, so plan for both permission and safety. The chapter's other rules on weapons, hazardous substances, and controlled substances offered in evidence set out how to make an item safe and when a motion is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry a knife into a court facility in Oregon?
No, unless you are a law enforcement officer or the court has ordered otherwise. The rule names a firearm, knife, device, or hazardous substance capable of inflicting death or physical injury.
Does the ban apply outside the courtroom?
Yes. The rule speaks of a court facility, which is wider than a single courtroom, though the rule does not say how much wider.
Who is exempt?
Law enforcement officers. Everyone else is covered unless the court orders otherwise in a particular instance.
Can I bring a weapon in as an exhibit?
Only with the court ordering otherwise, and the chapter's evidence rules on weapons and hazardous substances tell you how the item has to be made safe first. Handle the permission and the safety steps before the day of the hearing.
What items count as a device under this rule?
The rule does not list examples. It ties the category to capability rather than to a name, covering a device capable of inflicting death or physical injury, so read it by what the object can do rather than by what it is called.