U.S. Courthouse, Cleveland (headquarters) (N.D. Ohio): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Phones may be brought into the courthouse but must be turned off before entering a courtroom unless the presiding judge approves; devices may be used only outside courtrooms. No photography, recording or broadcasting anywhere in the court facility, including the Clerk's Office and the Probation/Pretrial office. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio |
|---|---|
| Public phones | Allowed for the public |
| Rule for visitors | Phones may be brought into the courthouse but must be turned off before entering a courtroom unless the presiding judge approves; devices may be used only outside courtrooms. No photography, recording or broadcasting anywhere in the court facility, including the Clerk's Office and the Probation/Pretrial office. |
| Jurors | Jurors are advised in their notices not to bring cell phones; selected jurors who bring them are asked to leave them in the jury deliberation rooms. |
| Attorneys | Counsel of record and staff may use devices at counsel tables, provided there is no photography, recording or broadcasting. |
| Governing order | Amended General Order No. 2009-21-5 (filed Sept. 30, 2026); Local Civil Rule 83.1; Local Criminal Rule 53.1 |
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 Ohio county courthouses.
Other Federal Courthouses in Ohio
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the U.S. Courthouse, Cleveland (headquarters)?
Phones may be brought into the courthouse but must be turned off before entering a courtroom unless the presiding judge approves; devices may be used only outside courtrooms. No photography, recording or broadcasting anywhere in the court facility, including the Clerk's Office and the Probation/Pretrial office.
Can jurors bring phones to the U.S. Courthouse, Cleveland (headquarters)?
Jurors are advised in their notices not to bring cell phones; selected jurors who bring them are asked to leave them in the jury deliberation rooms.
Can attorneys bring phones to the U.S. Courthouse, Cleveland (headquarters)?
Counsel of record and staff may use devices at counsel tables, provided there is no photography, recording or broadcasting.
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.