Hmm, interesting. In that case, Fallguy, I have a question.
The Washington County Courthouse in downtown Johnson City has several services inside it (including paying property taxes and, in the past, car tag fees). The metal detectors for the court rooms are about 30 feet inside the door. The property tax counter is within that 30 feet section. However, there's a sign posted on the door that basically implies that it's illegal to carry in the entire building. So, is it illegal to carry in the 30 feet or so before the metal detectors? If not, then is their sign wrong?
If the courthouse is properly posted then it is illegal to carry there (anywhere in the building), but that is because it's posted and not because it is a courthouse.
Some states have laws about carry and metal detectors, but TN doesn't.
Here is the law I am talking about...
39-17-1306. Carrying weapons during judicial proceedings.
(a) No person shall intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carry on or about the person
while inside any room in which judicial proceedings are in progress any weapon prohibited by § 39-17-1302(a), for the purpose of going armed; provided, that if the weapon carried is a firearm, the person is in violation of this section regardless of whether the weapon is carried for the purpose of going armed.
(b) Any person violating subsection (a) commits a Class E felony.
(c) The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply to any person who:
(1) Is in the actual discharge of official duties as a law enforcement officer, or is employed in the army, air force, navy, coast guard or marine service of the United States or any member of the Tennessee national guard in the line of duty and pursuant to military regulations, or is in the actual discharge of official duties as a guard employed by a penal institution, or as a bailiff, marshal or other court officer who has responsibility for protecting persons or property or providing security;
(2) Has been directed by a court to bring the firearm for purposes of providing evidence; or
(3) Is in the actual discharge of official duties as a judge, and:
(A) Is authorized to carry a handgun pursuant to § 39-17-1351;
(B) Successfully completes sixteen (16) hours of POST court security training;
(C) Successfully completes eight (8) hours of POST firearm training on an annual basis; and
(D) Is vested with judicial powers under § 16-1-101.