Gerald R. Ford Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse (W.D. Mich.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: The general public may not bring cell phones, laptops or tablets into the building. Exceptions include parties (other than criminal defendants) accompanied by counsel who certifies need, credentialed press, and persons granted permission by judicial order. Exempt persons must keep devices off in courtrooms and use them only in designated areas; no photos or recording. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan |
|---|---|
| Address | 110 Michigan St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
| Public phones | Banned for the general public |
| Rule for visitors | The general public may not bring cell phones, laptops or tablets into the building. Exceptions include parties (other than criminal defendants) accompanied by counsel who certifies need, credentialed press, and persons granted permission by judicial order. Exempt persons must keep devices off in courtrooms and use them only in designated areas; no photos or recording. |
| Jurors | Jurors (grand, petit, and persons appearing under a jury summons) may bring phones, laptops and tablets; devices must be off in the courtroom. Persons accompanying jurors may not bring devices and must leave them in their car. |
| Attorneys | Attorneys appearing in their official capacity as officers of the court may carry and use devices; must be off in courtroom unless the presiding judge permits; use only in designated areas. |
| Governing order | W.D. Mich. Local General Rule 4.3 (as amended by Administrative Order No. 26-RL-067, Aug. 13, 2026) |
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 Michigan county courthouses.
Other Federal Courthouses in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the Gerald R. Ford Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse?
The general public may not bring cell phones, laptops or tablets into the building. Exceptions include parties (other than criminal defendants) accompanied by counsel who certifies need, credentialed press, and persons granted permission by judicial order. Exempt persons must keep devices off in courtrooms and use them only in designated areas; no photos or recording.
Can jurors bring phones to the Gerald R. Ford Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse?
Jurors (grand, petit, and persons appearing under a jury summons) may bring phones, laptops and tablets; devices must be off in the courtroom. Persons accompanying jurors may not bring devices and must leave them in their car.
Can attorneys bring phones to the Gerald R. Ford Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse?
Attorneys appearing in their official capacity as officers of the court may carry and use devices; must be off in courtroom unless the presiding judge permits; use only in designated areas.
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.