John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse (D. Mass.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: The general public may not bring cell phones or other electronic devices past the security checkpoint; court security officers check electronic equipment at the main entrance. Non-attorney, non-media persons needing a device for a court proceeding may submit an authorization form to the courtroom deputy clerk at least two days in advance. No photographing, recording or broadcasting. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Courthouse Way, Boston, MA 02210 |
| Public phones | Restricted |
| Rule for visitors | The general public may not bring cell phones or other electronic devices past the security checkpoint; court security officers check electronic equipment at the main entrance. Non-attorney, non-media persons needing a device for a court proceeding may submit an authorization form to the courtroom deputy clerk at least two days in advance. No photographing, recording or broadcasting. |
| Lockers | No lockers mentioned; court security officers check electronic equipment at the main entrance (jurors check phones at the front-lobby security desk). |
| Jurors | Cell phones must be checked in at the security desk in the front lobby; all other electronic equipment and devices are not allowed in the courthouse. |
| Attorneys | Attorneys presenting a valid bar card from any jurisdiction plus two forms of ID (one with photo) may bring PDAs, laptops and cell phones for business use, subject to x-ray; laptops with silent keyboards may be used in the courtroom. |
| Governing order | D. Mass. Local Rule 83.3 (photography/recording); Courthouse Security Committee/U.S. Marshal electronic devices policy |
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 Massachusetts county courthouses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse?
The general public may not bring cell phones or other electronic devices past the security checkpoint; court security officers check electronic equipment at the main entrance. Non-attorney, non-media persons needing a device for a court proceeding may submit an authorization form to the courtroom deputy clerk at least two days in advance. No photographing, recording or broadcasting.
Are there phone lockers at the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse?
No lockers mentioned; court security officers check electronic equipment at the main entrance (jurors check phones at the front-lobby security desk).
Can jurors bring phones to the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse?
Cell phones must be checked in at the security desk in the front lobby; all other electronic equipment and devices are not allowed in the courthouse.
Can attorneys bring phones to the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse?
Attorneys presenting a valid bar card from any jurisdiction plus two forms of ID (one with photo) may bring PDAs, laptops and cell phones for business use, subject to x-ray; laptops with silent keyboards may be used in the courtroom.
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.