On TV's Judge Judy, at the ruling of a case, each litigant is required to leave their paperwork as they exit the courtroom. This is especially notable because in nearly every case, both parties attempt to take them, and Byrd the bailiff instructs them that they cannot take the paperwork.
Why can't they take the paperwork? Is this now the property of the court? I've heard suggested that the parties should not be allowed to wield a potential weapon.