Massachusetts Attorneys Will Face Security Screenings
New policy will require legal professionals to pass through metal detectors starting on January 1, 2027.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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The Massachusetts Trial Court has proposed a new security policy that will require attorneys to undergo public screening when entering courthouses. This change will subject legal professionals to metal detectors and personal item checks starting on January 1, 2027.
Why it matters
The proposal seeks to align courthouse security procedures with established safety standards to support the existing state ban on firearms. By mandating universal screening, the court aims to ensure consistent security measures across all facilities.
The proposed policy affects dozens of Massachusetts courthouses and currently awaits a final decision following a public comment period. The Massachusetts Trial Court mandates that this process will officially conclude by October 14, 2026.
The players
Massachusetts Trial Court
This judicial body oversees the administration of all courthouses throughout the state of Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Association of Private Appointed Counsel
This professional organization represents attorneys who provide legal services to indigent defendants in state courts.
The details
Under the current system, attorneys utilize a separate, streamlined entry path, but the new rule will integrate them into public screening lanes used by the general population. This mandate excludes court personnel, judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement, a distinction that has drawn sharp criticism from the Massachusetts Association of Private Appointed Counsel.
Timeline
October 14, 2026: Deadline for public comments on the screening proposal.
January 1, 2027: Effective date of the proposed courthouse security screenings.
Legal Context
The proposal aligns Massachusetts with guidelines from the National Center for State Courts, which recommends universal screening for everyone entering judicial facilities. This shifts the state toward standardized security protocols that mirror practices currently used in many other jurisdictions.
Attorneys practicing in the state will need to adjust their daily arrival routines to account for time spent in public security lines. Members of the public visiting courthouses may notice increased wait times as legal professionals are integrated into the existing security flow.
The takeaway
The move toward universal screening marks a significant shift in courthouse culture by removing special access privileges for attorneys. Practitioners should prepare for these changes by adjusting their schedules to ensure they can navigate mandatory security checkpoints before court proceedings begin.
What happens next
The public comment period for this proposal will remain open until October 14, 2026, before the court makes a final determination.
Further reading
For more on the legal and procedural changes within the state, visit the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBUR 90.9 mHz.
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Should security screening requirements in courthouses be applied equally to all staff and attorneys?
