United States Courthouse (Terry Sanford Federal Building and Courthouse), Raleigh (E.D.N.C.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Wireless devices (cell phones, tablets, smart watches, laptops and similar devices) are prohibited at all court facilities in the district. Members of the public found with a device are told to store it at home, in an office or in their vehicle. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Address | 310 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27601 |
| Public phones | Banned for the general public |
| Rule for visitors | Wireless devices (cell phones, tablets, smart watches, laptops and similar devices) are prohibited at all court facilities in the district. Members of the public found with a device are told to store it at home, in an office or in their vehicle. |
| Lockers | No lockers. If storing the device off-site is not practicable, the Court Security Officer may, at their discretion, hold it in a storage area; the government assumes no responsibility for loss or damage. |
| Jurors | Not exempt by default. Judges may grant exceptions, including allowing grand and petit jurors to possess cell phones, on application and for good cause. |
| Attorneys | Attorneys on court business are exempt when use relates to official duties; under Local Civil Rule 83.1(l) an attorney must present a bar card to the Court Security Officer to keep a phone, laptop or tablet. No recording or transmitting. |
| Governing order | Standing Order 22-SO-2 (Oct. 28, 2022); Local Civil Rule 83.1(l) |
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 North Carolina county courthouses.
Other Federal Courthouses in North Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the United States Courthouse (Terry Sanford Federal Building and Courthouse), Raleigh?
Wireless devices (cell phones, tablets, smart watches, laptops and similar devices) are prohibited at all court facilities in the district. Members of the public found with a device are told to store it at home, in an office or in their vehicle.
Are there phone lockers at the United States Courthouse (Terry Sanford Federal Building and Courthouse), Raleigh?
No lockers. If storing the device off-site is not practicable, the Court Security Officer may, at their discretion, hold it in a storage area; the government assumes no responsibility for loss or damage.
Can jurors bring phones to the United States Courthouse (Terry Sanford Federal Building and Courthouse), Raleigh?
Not exempt by default. Judges may grant exceptions, including allowing grand and petit jurors to possess cell phones, on application and for good cause.
Can attorneys bring phones to the United States Courthouse (Terry Sanford Federal Building and Courthouse), Raleigh?
Attorneys on court business are exempt when use relates to official duties; under Local Civil Rule 83.1(l) an attorney must present a bar card to the Court Security Officer to keep a phone, laptop or tablet. No recording or transmitting.
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.