James M. Carter and Judith N. Keep United States Courthouse (S.D. Cal.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Phones and laptops may be brought in but must go in the screening bins at the security checkpoint. Cameras, radios and voice or tape recorders are prohibited. Phones must be off before entering a courtroom. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California |
|---|---|
| Address | 333 West Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 |
| Public phones | Allowed for the public |
| Rule for visitors | Phones and laptops may be brought in but must go in the screening bins at the security checkpoint. Cameras, radios and voice or tape recorders are prohibited. Phones must be off before entering a courtroom. |
| Jurors | Phones and tablets are permitted, but their camera and recording functions may not be used. Standalone cameras and recorders are not allowed. Phones must be off before entering a courtroom. |
| Attorneys | Some judges' standing orders (for example, Chief Judge Bashant's civil standing order) require counsel to get a court order, by ex parte application, to bring laptops, tablets or other electronic equipment into the courthouse for trial. |
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 California county courthouses.
Other Federal Courthouses in California
- First Street U.S. Courthouse (Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez U.S. Courthouse)
- Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse
- Phillip Burton Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the James M. Carter and Judith N. Keep United States Courthouse?
Phones and laptops may be brought in but must go in the screening bins at the security checkpoint. Cameras, radios and voice or tape recorders are prohibited. Phones must be off before entering a courtroom.
Can jurors bring phones to the James M. Carter and Judith N. Keep United States Courthouse?
Phones and tablets are permitted, but their camera and recording functions may not be used. Standalone cameras and recorders are not allowed. Phones must be off before entering a courtroom.
Can attorneys bring phones to the James M. Carter and Judith N. Keep United States Courthouse?
Some judges' standing orders (for example, Chief Judge Bashant's civil standing order) require counsel to get a court order, by ex parte application, to bring laptops, tablets or other electronic equipment into the courthouse for trial.
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.