We’ve all been there. You’re winding your way through security (usually at an airport) and suddenly you are asked to consign your worldly goods, however innocuous, to the guard’s tray of despair.

Earrings and hand sanitizer are two particular examples Obiter can remember. Now it seems this overzealous mindset has found its way into our court system.

Last week’s message from the Criminal Bar Association picked up on a barrister who was forced to part with her child’s toy car and marker pens, for fear the car could be used as a weapon and the markers for graffiti.

We don’t know the size of the car but Obiter suspects it was ideal for said counsel to hurl at an unsuspecting (and perhaps rude) judge.

Criminal lawyer @lauraaustin78 also had a potential weapon on one trip to court. The offending item? A cup of coffee.

Social care solicitor @redjellyfish86 went one better: ‘So many odd things confiscated from me at court: Appletiser, nail clippers, roll-on deodorant, mini speakers ….’. Umbrellas, an electric shaver, even motorcycle trousers have also made it on to the banned list, according to Gazette readers.

Can you improve on this? Email obiter@lawsociety.org.uk.

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