Hugo L. Black United States Courthouse (N.D. Ala.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Cell phones are allowed in all N.D. Ala. federal courthouses but must be turned off in the courtroom and may not be used in any courtroom. No photography or audio/video recording anywhere in the building. Cameras and recording devices are not allowed. The pro se guide says laptops, tablets, audio recorders and cameras need a court order, while the court FAQ allows laptops and iPads. Individual judges may ban any electronic device in their proceedings. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama |
|---|---|
| Address | 1729 5th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203 |
| Public phones | Allowed for the public |
| Rule for visitors | Cell phones are allowed in all N.D. Ala. federal courthouses but must be turned off in the courtroom and may not be used in any courtroom. No photography or audio/video recording anywhere in the building. Cameras and recording devices are not allowed. The pro se guide says laptops, tablets, audio recorders and cameras need a court order, while the court FAQ allows laptops and iPads. Individual judges may ban any electronic device in their proceedings. |
| Lockers | No storage: the court says the Hugo Black building has no storage space, so prohibited items must be kept off site (for example, in your car). |
| Jurors | The jury summons page says jurors may bring a laptop, tablet and cell phone. Cameras and recording devices are excluded. |
| Governing order | N.D. Ala. LR 83.2 (broadcasting/photography) |
Federal and county courthouses set separate rules. If your case is in state or county court (traffic, family, most criminal cases, state jury duty), see Alabama county courthouses.
Other Federal Courthouses in Alabama
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the Hugo L. Black United States Courthouse?
Cell phones are allowed in all N.D. Ala. federal courthouses but must be turned off in the courtroom and may not be used in any courtroom. No photography or audio/video recording anywhere in the building. Cameras and recording devices are not allowed. The pro se guide says laptops, tablets, audio recorders and cameras need a court order, while the court FAQ allows laptops and iPads. Individual judges may ban any electronic device in their proceedings.
Are there phone lockers at the Hugo L. Black United States Courthouse?
No storage: the court says the Hugo Black building has no storage space, so prohibited items must be kept off site (for example, in your car).
Can jurors bring phones to the Hugo L. Black United States Courthouse?
The jury summons page says jurors may bring a laptop, tablet and cell phone. Cameras and recording devices are excluded.
Can I bring a gun or knife into a federal courthouse?
No. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 930) prohibits firearms and dangerous weapons in federal court facilities, with narrow exceptions such as on-duty law enforcement.