When objects with non-zero volume are outlawed, only criminals will need the Z axis.

Smartphones could offer journalists and the public an easy and cost-effective method to provide online updates of court proceedings — which is why it’s always been frustrating that many federal jurisdictions don’t allow the devices into courthouses. Now, thanks to a newly issued document, we know why.

Terrorism.

An 8-page memo issued last week by the Administrative Office of the Courts describes the primary reason to ban smartphones from court buildings. “These common devices present security issues because some can be and have been converted for use as weapons, including explosives.”

“The current array of devices has raised additional concerns about risks due to increased use of non-metallic materials in manufacturing, smaller size, and the potential inability of scanning equipment to detect these devices and hidden explosives,” (.pdf) the memo continues.

Actually, any three-dimensional object that can be hollowed-out could be used as a bomb. Any place. Any time. Nothing special about a cellphone.