United States Courthouse, Baltimore (Northern Division) (D. Md.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Visitors generally may not bring portable electronic devices (phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, smart watches, smart glasses, earpieces, fitness trackers) inside unless an exception applies; non-permitted devices go in lobby lock boxes. Pro se litigants, media, attorney staff, CVB/petty-offense litigants and others may request prior permission via an online Electronic Device Request form or an Electronic Device Pass from the Clerk's Office. Where allowed, phones may be used in public areas but not for photos or recording; all devices must be off before entering a courtroom. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland |
|---|---|
| Address | 101 West Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 |
| Public phones | Restricted |
| Rule for visitors | Visitors generally may not bring portable electronic devices (phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, smart watches, smart glasses, earpieces, fitness trackers) inside unless an exception applies; non-permitted devices go in lobby lock boxes. Pro se litigants, media, attorney staff, CVB/petty-offense litigants and others may request prior permission via an online Electronic Device Request form or an Electronic Device Pass from the Clerk's Office. Where allowed, phones may be used in public areas but not for photos or recording; all devices must be off before entering a courtroom. |
| Lockers | Devices not permitted inside are securely stored in lock boxes in the lobby and retrieved on departure. |
| Jurors | Sitting and prospective petit and grand jurors may bring devices by showing their summons or VoiceMetrix notification; selected jurors may use devices in jury rooms except during deliberations, not in the courtroom while court is in session. |
| Attorneys | Bar members, pro hac vice attorneys and counsel of record may bring devices by showing an electronic bar credential at entry; counsel of record may use devices at counsel table for approved purposes (email, calendar, case research). |
| Governing order | D. Md. Local Rule 506; Standing Order 2026-04 |
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 Maryland county courthouses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the United States Courthouse, Baltimore (Northern Division)?
Visitors generally may not bring portable electronic devices (phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, smart watches, smart glasses, earpieces, fitness trackers) inside unless an exception applies; non-permitted devices go in lobby lock boxes. Pro se litigants, media, attorney staff, CVB/petty-offense litigants and others may request prior permission via an online Electronic Device Request form or an Electronic Device Pass from the Clerk's Office. Where allowed, phones may be used in public areas but not for photos or recording; all devices must be off before entering a courtroom.
Are there phone lockers at the United States Courthouse, Baltimore (Northern Division)?
Devices not permitted inside are securely stored in lock boxes in the lobby and retrieved on departure.
Can jurors bring phones to the United States Courthouse, Baltimore (Northern Division)?
Sitting and prospective petit and grand jurors may bring devices by showing their summons or VoiceMetrix notification; selected jurors may use devices in jury rooms except during deliberations, not in the courtroom while court is in session.
Can attorneys bring phones to the United States Courthouse, Baltimore (Northern Division)?
Bar members, pro hac vice attorneys and counsel of record may bring devices by showing an electronic bar credential at entry; counsel of record may use devices at counsel table for approved purposes (email, calendar, case research).
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.