Richard Sheppard Arnold United States Courthouse (E.D. Ark.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Cell phones, smart watches, smart glasses and e-cigarettes are not allowed in the courthouse. Under General Order 54, the public may bring only phones or PDAs that cannot take photos or video, which must be off and put away in courtrooms. Because almost all modern phones have cameras, phones are effectively banned for the public. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas |
|---|---|
| Address | 500 West Capitol Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72201 |
| Public phones | Banned for the general public |
| Rule for visitors | Cell phones, smart watches, smart glasses and e-cigarettes are not allowed in the courthouse. Under General Order 54, the public may bring only phones or PDAs that cannot take photos or video, which must be off and put away in courtrooms. Because almost all modern phones have cameras, phones are effectively banned for the public. |
| Attorneys | Arkansas-licensed attorneys admitted in E.D. Ark. may request a two-year Court Technology Permit from the Clerk. With the permit and photo ID, they may bring phones and laptops. DOJ and Federal Public Defender lawyers and staff may also bring devices. Other lawyers, their staff and law enforcement need a court order naming them and the dates. No recording or photography; phones must be off and put away in courtrooms, and wireless must be off in district courtrooms. |
| Governing order | Amended General Order No. 54 (Apr. 16, 2009); E.D. Ark. Local Rule 83.2 |
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 Arkansas county courthouses.
Other Federal Courthouses in Arkansas
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the Richard Sheppard Arnold United States Courthouse?
Cell phones, smart watches, smart glasses and e-cigarettes are not allowed in the courthouse. Under General Order 54, the public may bring only phones or PDAs that cannot take photos or video, which must be off and put away in courtrooms. Because almost all modern phones have cameras, phones are effectively banned for the public.
Can attorneys bring phones to the Richard Sheppard Arnold United States Courthouse?
Arkansas-licensed attorneys admitted in E.D. Ark. may request a two-year Court Technology Permit from the Clerk. With the permit and photo ID, they may bring phones and laptops. DOJ and Federal Public Defender lawyers and staff may also bring devices. Other lawyers, their staff and law enforcement need a court order naming them and the dates. No recording or photography; phones must be off and put away in courtrooms, and wireless must be off in district courtrooms.
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.