E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse (and William B. Bryant Annex) (D.D.C.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Visitors may bring phones, laptops, tablets and smart watches; all are screened at entry. Devices may be used in public areas, but no photos, audio or video recording, or live streaming. Before entering a district or bankruptcy courtroom, devices must be turned off or put in airplane mode. With the presiding judge's prior approval, devices may be used in court for data (email, texting, internet) only. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia |
|---|---|
| Address | 333 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20001 |
| Public phones | Allowed for the public |
| Rule for visitors | Visitors may bring phones, laptops, tablets and smart watches; all are screened at entry. Devices may be used in public areas, but no photos, audio or video recording, or live streaming. Before entering a district or bankruptcy courtroom, devices must be turned off or put in airplane mode. With the presiding judge's prior approval, devices may be used in court for data (email, texting, internet) only. |
| Jurors | Jurors who display a juror summons or Jury Office pass may bring camera phones into the courthouse (policy effective April 10, 2007). Unauthorized use of the camera may lead to confiscation and contempt. |
| Governing order | D.D.C. Electronic Device Policy (effective April 9, 2007; amended Nov. 23, 2009, Dec. 6, 2016, June 5, 2018) |
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 District of Columbia county courthouses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse (and William B. Bryant Annex)?
Visitors may bring phones, laptops, tablets and smart watches; all are screened at entry. Devices may be used in public areas, but no photos, audio or video recording, or live streaming. Before entering a district or bankruptcy courtroom, devices must be turned off or put in airplane mode. With the presiding judge's prior approval, devices may be used in court for data (email, texting, internet) only.
Can jurors bring phones to the E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse (and William B. Bryant Annex)?
Jurors who display a juror summons or Jury Office pass may bring camera phones into the courthouse (policy effective April 10, 2007). Unauthorized use of the camera may lead to confiscation and contempt.
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.