Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse (E.D. Mo.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Anyone admitted may possess phones, computers and other electronic devices after security examination (may be asked to power off and on). Devices may be used in common areas such as lobbies but must be fully powered off on entering a courtroom (airplane mode or vibrate is not enough). No photographing or recording of entrances, security areas, lobbies, corridors and other interior public spaces; courtroom recording governed by Local Rule 13.02. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri |
|---|---|
| Address | 111 South 10th St., St. Louis, MO 63102 |
| Public phones | Allowed for the public |
| Rule for visitors | Anyone admitted may possess phones, computers and other electronic devices after security examination (may be asked to power off and on). Devices may be used in common areas such as lobbies but must be fully powered off on entering a courtroom (airplane mode or vibrate is not enough). No photographing or recording of entrances, security areas, lobbies, corridors and other interior public spaces; courtroom recording governed by Local Rule 13.02. |
| Jurors | Cell phones and laptops are allowed in the building but must be completely turned off in the courtroom and during juror orientation; recording devices (e.g., Meta glasses, cameras) are not allowed. |
| Attorneys | Same general permission as all persons; attorneys using a device in a pending matter may use it in common areas but must power it off in courtrooms unless authorized by the court. |
| Governing order | Administrative Order AORD-0098 (June 3, 2024); E.D. Mo. Local Rule 13.02 |
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 Missouri county courthouses.
Other Federal Courthouses in Missouri
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse?
Anyone admitted may possess phones, computers and other electronic devices after security examination (may be asked to power off and on). Devices may be used in common areas such as lobbies but must be fully powered off on entering a courtroom (airplane mode or vibrate is not enough). No photographing or recording of entrances, security areas, lobbies, corridors and other interior public spaces; courtroom recording governed by Local Rule 13.02.
Can jurors bring phones to the Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse?
Cell phones and laptops are allowed in the building but must be completely turned off in the courtroom and during juror orientation; recording devices (e.g., Meta glasses, cameras) are not allowed.
Can attorneys bring phones to the Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse?
Same general permission as all persons; attorneys using a device in a pending matter may use it in common areas but must power it off in courtrooms unless authorized by the court.
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.