United States Courthouse (155 St. Joseph Street) (S.D. Ala.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: The general public may not bring any electronic device, including cell phones, laptops, pagers and PDAs, into the courthouse unless a judge or the clerk approves in advance. Approved devices must be screened by the U.S. Marshals Service or a Court Security Officer. Devices must be off in or near a court in session. Photography and recording are prohibited, and violators face contempt and confiscation of the device. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama |
|---|---|
| Address | 155 Saint Joseph Street, Mobile, AL 36602 |
| Public phones | Banned for the general public |
| Rule for visitors | The general public may not bring any electronic device, including cell phones, laptops, pagers and PDAs, into the courthouse unless a judge or the clerk approves in advance. Approved devices must be screened by the U.S. Marshals Service or a Court Security Officer. Devices must be off in or near a court in session. Photography and recording are prohibited, and violators face contempt and confiscation of the device. |
| Jurors | Cell phones are not allowed in the courthouse; leave them at home or in your vehicle. Jurors may check messages during breaks and lunch. |
| Attorneys | Bar members and accompanied paralegals or assistants may bring screened devices, as may federal employees and state or county law enforcement with proper ID. Devices must be off in the courtroom or near a court in session. |
| Governing order | Standing Order No. 31, In re: Electronic Devices in Courthouse (Jan. 3, 2006) |
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 United States Courthouse (155 St. Joseph Street)?
The general public may not bring any electronic device, including cell phones, laptops, pagers and PDAs, into the courthouse unless a judge or the clerk approves in advance. Approved devices must be screened by the U.S. Marshals Service or a Court Security Officer. Devices must be off in or near a court in session. Photography and recording are prohibited, and violators face contempt and confiscation of the device.
Can jurors bring phones to the United States Courthouse (155 St. Joseph Street)?
Cell phones are not allowed in the courthouse; leave them at home or in your vehicle. Jurors may check messages during breaks and lunch.
Can attorneys bring phones to the United States Courthouse (155 St. Joseph Street)?
Bar members and accompanied paralegals or assistants may bring screened devices, as may federal employees and state or county law enforcement with proper ID. Devices must be off in the courtroom or near a court in session.
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.