Hale Boggs Federal Building and United States Courthouse (E.D. La.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Phones, pagers and laptops are permitted in the building (subject to security inspection) but may not be used in a courtroom or jury room without judicial approval; built-in cameras may not be used anywhere in the building without specific judicial approval. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana |
|---|---|
| Address | 500 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
| Public phones | Allowed for the public |
| Rule for visitors | Phones, pagers and laptops are permitted in the building (subject to security inspection) but may not be used in a courtroom or jury room without judicial approval; built-in cameras may not be used anywhere in the building without specific judicial approval. |
| Lockers | No lockers mentioned; security will not store prohibited items (stated for liquids). |
| Jurors | Jurors may bring a cell phone but must turn it off when entering a courtroom. |
| Attorneys | Laptops and other appropriate devices may be used in courtrooms for presentations to the Court and to view case documents. |
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 Louisiana county courthouses.
Other Federal Courthouses in Louisiana
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the Hale Boggs Federal Building and United States Courthouse?
Phones, pagers and laptops are permitted in the building (subject to security inspection) but may not be used in a courtroom or jury room without judicial approval; built-in cameras may not be used anywhere in the building without specific judicial approval.
Are there phone lockers at the Hale Boggs Federal Building and United States Courthouse?
No lockers mentioned; security will not store prohibited items (stated for liquids).
Can jurors bring phones to the Hale Boggs Federal Building and United States Courthouse?
Jurors may bring a cell phone but must turn it off when entering a courtroom.
Can attorneys bring phones to the Hale Boggs Federal Building and United States Courthouse?
Laptops and other appropriate devices may be used in courtrooms for presentations to the Court and to view case documents.
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.