Brunswick County Courthouse: Open Or Closed?

The Brunswick County Courthouse, located in Bolivia, North Carolina, has a strict dress code and does not allow cell phones, outside food or drinks, or tobacco and vape products inside the building. The courthouse offers various services, including jury service, local administrative schedules, and online services for payments, citations, and court notifications. The Clerk's Office Hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Dress code

The Brunswick County Courthouse has a strict dress code that must be adhered to. All persons entering the courthouse should wear proper attire, with a ban on the following: shorts, tank tops, bare feet, and clothing with vulgar language or pictures. Midriffs and stomachs should be covered at all times, and no hats, headscarves, headbands, or kerchiefs may be worn, except in the case of religious or medical reasons.

For males, the dress code is long pants, dress shirts, and shoes. Shirts should be tucked in, and a collar is expected, although a tie and coat are optional. Females should wear dresses, long pants, skirts, blouses, and shoes, with shirts tucked in. A pantsuit is also acceptable attire for women. No jeans or shorts are allowed for either gender.

The courthouse has a clear list of prohibited items, which includes cell phones, outside food and drinks, and tobacco products. These rules are in place to maintain decorum and ensure the safety and security of all visitors, staff, and officials at the Brunswick County Courthouse.

Cell phone usage

The order specifically mentions that cell phones and "other personal communication devices having the capability to take photographs and to record" are prohibited. This decision was made to protect the privacy and safety of those involved in court proceedings, including witnesses, jurors, and attorneys.

However, there are exceptions to this rule for certain individuals, such as practicing attorneys, individuals with a particularized need, and law enforcement officers who can provide proper credentials or official approval. These exceptions ensure that those with a legitimate need for such devices can still access them while adhering to the courthouse's safety and privacy protocols.

The Brunswick County Courthouse is located at 310 Government Center Drive NE, Unit 1, Bolivia, NC 28422. It is important for visitors to be aware of and adhere to the cell phone usage policy to maintain the integrity and security of the court proceedings.

Food and drinks

The Brunswick County Courthouse in North Carolina does not permit outside food or drink to be brought inside the courthouse without express permission from court personnel. If you are a juror, you are allowed to have food and drinks in the Jury Assembly Room, but you must inform the deputies at the security checkpoint. The only type of beverage allowed in the courtroom is a water bottle with a twist top. Steel or metal cups and mugs are prohibited within the courthouse.

Tobacco and vape policy

The Brunswick County Courthouse in North Carolina has a strict tobacco and vape policy. All tobacco products, including cigarettes, lighters, vapes, and other similar items, are prohibited inside the courthouse. This policy ensures that individuals appearing in court or conducting official business comply with a smoke and vape-free environment, promoting health and safety for all visitors and staff.

The courthouse's policy aligns with broader public health efforts to reduce tobacco use and protect individuals from secondhand smoke. Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for various chronic diseases, including cancer, lung diseases, and cardiovascular diseases, as highlighted by health organisations. By enforcing a tobacco and vape-free environment, the courthouse contributes to discouraging tobacco use and reducing its accessibility in public spaces.

The policy is consistent with the dress code and other regulations enforced within the Brunswick County Courthouse. Visitors are expected to wear proper attire, excluding items such as shorts, tank tops, and clothing with vulgar language or pictures. Cell phones are also prohibited inside the courthouse, ensuring uninterrupted court proceedings and maintaining the solemnity of the judicial environment.

The tobacco and vape policy at the Brunswick County Courthouse is an important measure to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all individuals conducting business within the courthouse premises. By prohibiting tobacco products, the policy helps protect the well-being of visitors and staff, contributing to a more positive and healthy experience during their time at the courthouse.

Jury service

The following information pertains to jury service at the Brunswick County Courthouse in North Carolina. For those summoned for jury duty, the service typically lasts for a one-week session. However, in some cases, jurors may be summoned for multi-week sessions for complex or lengthy matters. It is not uncommon for jurors to serve on more than one trial.

Jurors must call the designated jury line to find out when and where they need to report for duty. The jury lounge is located on the second floor of the courthouse. While cell phones and other personal communication devices are generally prohibited at the courthouse, jurors are exempt from this rule. To bring your device into the courthouse, you must present your summons to the security staff at the entrance.

There is free parking available across the street from the courthouse and in front of the county administration building. Handicap parking is also available at these locations and beside the courthouse.

A professional dress code is required for jury service. Clothing such as shorts, halter or tank tops, and shirts with offensive wording is not permitted. It is recommended to dress in layers to accommodate varying courtroom temperatures.

If you require an excuse or postponement from jury service, you must submit your request via the Electronic Form or by mail at least seven days prior to your service date. Reasons for excusal include being 72 years of age or older, not being a Brunswick County resident, being a full-time student, health or medical reasons, having a felony conviction without restored voting rights, or not being a US citizen. A work conflict can result in a deferment of jury service but not an excusal.

Frequently asked questions