James A. McClure Federal Building and United States Courthouse (D. Idaho): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Cell phones, smartphones, laptops and tablets are allowed in the courtroom if they do not disrupt proceedings or pose a security threat; must be off or on silent/vibrate; no calls made or answered in the courtroom; no filming, photographing or recording of proceedings, jurors, witnesses or security screening. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho |
|---|---|
| Address | 550 W. Fort Street, Boise, ID 83724 |
| Public phones | Allowed for the public |
| Rule for visitors | Cell phones, smartphones, laptops and tablets are allowed in the courtroom if they do not disrupt proceedings or pose a security threat; must be off or on silent/vibrate; no calls made or answered in the courtroom; no filming, photographing or recording of proceedings, jurors, witnesses or security screening. |
| Jurors | Same restrictions apply; jurors may not use phones during deliberations or use internet devices to research the case. |
| Governing order | General Order No. 345 (Feb. 8, 2019); Local Rule 83.1 |
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 Idaho county courthouses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the James A. McClure Federal Building and United States Courthouse?
Cell phones, smartphones, laptops and tablets are allowed in the courtroom if they do not disrupt proceedings or pose a security threat; must be off or on silent/vibrate; no calls made or answered in the courtroom; no filming, photographing or recording of proceedings, jurors, witnesses or security screening.
Can jurors bring phones to the James A. McClure Federal Building and United States Courthouse?
Same restrictions apply; jurors may not use phones during deliberations or use internet devices to research the case.
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.