Richard C. Lee United States Courthouse (D. Conn.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Cellular telephones are prohibited in Connecticut federal courthouses for the general public. Laptops, cameras, recording devices and e-readers are also not allowed. Phones are collected at security and returned when you leave. Recording and photography are prohibited without prior court approval. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut |
|---|---|
| Address | 141 Church Street, New Haven, CT 06510 |
| Public phones | Restricted |
| Rule for visitors | Cellular telephones are prohibited in Connecticut federal courthouses for the general public. Laptops, cameras, recording devices and e-readers are also not allowed. Phones are collected at security and returned when you leave. Recording and photography are prohibited without prior court approval. |
| Lockers | No lockers mentioned. The U.S. Marshals Service runs a system for collecting and returning phones in each courthouse. Courthouse security holds confiscated items until the person leaves. |
| Jurors | Grand jurors and jurors selected for a particular case may possess phones under the order. The court's security guidelines page (addressed to jurors) says phones, laptops, cameras and recording devices are confiscated and held by courthouse security until the juror leaves. This likely applies to prospective jurors not yet seated. Seated jurors hand phones to the courtroom deputy during deliberations. |
| Attorneys | Allowed for attorneys who show a Connecticut Judicial Branch-issued Attorney Photo ID Card or other identification establishing they are attorneys on official business. Paralegals and litigation support staff are allowed with a photo ID and a signed authorization letter from the attorney. |
| Governing order | CTAO-14-08, Order re: Cellular Telephone Policy (filed May 13, 2014; effective May 2, 2014). Related: Wireless Internet Access Plan, 2014. |
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 Connecticut county courthouses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the Richard C. Lee United States Courthouse?
Cellular telephones are prohibited in Connecticut federal courthouses for the general public. Laptops, cameras, recording devices and e-readers are also not allowed. Phones are collected at security and returned when you leave. Recording and photography are prohibited without prior court approval.
Are there phone lockers at the Richard C. Lee United States Courthouse?
No lockers mentioned. The U.S. Marshals Service runs a system for collecting and returning phones in each courthouse. Courthouse security holds confiscated items until the person leaves.
Can jurors bring phones to the Richard C. Lee United States Courthouse?
Grand jurors and jurors selected for a particular case may possess phones under the order. The court's security guidelines page (addressed to jurors) says phones, laptops, cameras and recording devices are confiscated and held by courthouse security until the juror leaves. This likely applies to prospective jurors not yet seated. Seated jurors hand phones to the courtroom deputy during deliberations.
Can attorneys bring phones to the Richard C. Lee United States Courthouse?
Allowed for attorneys who show a Connecticut Judicial Branch-issued Attorney Photo ID Card or other identification establishing they are attorneys on official business. Paralegals and litigation support staff are allowed with a photo ID and a signed authorization letter from the attorney.
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.