Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse (N.D. Ill.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Members of the public may bring phones into the courthouse after screening (accepted government photo ID required). Each judge decides whether silent texting/emailing is allowed in the courtroom gallery; no photography, recording, calls or audio, and devices must not make sound. Smart glasses are prohibited. No photographing security staff or equipment. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois |
|---|---|
| Address | 219 S. Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60604 |
| Public phones | Allowed for the public |
| Rule for visitors | Members of the public may bring phones into the courthouse after screening (accepted government photo ID required). Each judge decides whether silent texting/emailing is allowed in the courtroom gallery; no photography, recording, calls or audio, and devices must not make sound. Smart glasses are prohibited. No photographing security staff or equipment. |
| Jurors | Jurors may use laptops and cell phones in the jury lounge only. |
| Attorneys | No separate attorney device rule in the 2026 order; attorneys may escort a visitor lacking ID by giving their bar registration number. |
| Governing order | Joint Courthouse Security Order (7th Cir. / N.D. Ill., May 1, 2026); N.D. Ill. LR 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 Illinois county courthouses.
Other Federal Courthouses in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse?
Members of the public may bring phones into the courthouse after screening (accepted government photo ID required). Each judge decides whether silent texting/emailing is allowed in the courtroom gallery; no photography, recording, calls or audio, and devices must not make sound. Smart glasses are prohibited. No photographing security staff or equipment.
Can jurors bring phones to the Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse?
Jurors may use laptops and cell phones in the jury lounge only.
Can attorneys bring phones to the Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse?
No separate attorney device rule in the 2026 order; attorneys may escort a visitor lacking ID by giving their bar registration number.
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.