During a courtroom visit, what must be ensured regarding the prisoner and visitor?

Maintaining physical distance between the prisoner and visitor during a courtroom visit is essential for security and safety reasons. This distance helps to prevent any potential attempts at escape, the exchange of contraband, or other forms of illicit communication that could compromise the integrity of the judicial process.

In court settings, strict protocols are established to oversee interactions involving inmates to manage risks effectively. By ensuring that physical distance is maintained, court officers can monitor the situation more easily and intervene if necessary. This protocol also upholds the decorum of the courtroom and reinforces the seriousness of the proceedings.

The other options suggest scenarios that would undermine security, including allowing the exchange of items or unsupervised communication, which could lead to inappropriate interactions. Thus, maintaining physical distance is a critical aspect of managing courtroom visits involving prisoners.