Original sentence: Courthouses in American cities often have security checkpoints where all incoming persons are searched for weapons.In most counties in the United States the local trial courts conduct their business in a centrally located courthouse which may also house county governmental offices.Many judges also officiate at civil marriage ceremonies in their courthouse chambers
Edited sentence: Because Americans have a strong tradition of firearm ownership, and dissatisfied litigants sometimes resort to  violence, courthouses in American cities often have security checkpoints where all incoming persons are searched for weapons.In most counties in the United States the local trial courts conduct their business in a centrally located courthouse which may also house the offices of the county treasurer, clerk and recorder and assessor.Many judges also officiate a civil ceremony of marriage in their courthouse chambers