U.S. Courthouse, Columbia (headquarters) (D.S.C.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Wireless devices (cell phones, smart watches, smart glasses, cameras, laptops, tablets) are prohibited at all court facilities in the district. A Court Security Officer will tell visitors to store the device at home, in an office or in their vehicle; if that is not practical, it can be left with security at the entrance. No photos or recording anywhere in the courthouse. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Public phones | Restricted |
| Rule for visitors | Wireless devices (cell phones, smart watches, smart glasses, cameras, laptops, tablets) are prohibited at all court facilities in the district. A Court Security Officer will tell visitors to store the device at home, in an office or in their vehicle; if that is not practical, it can be left with security at the entrance. No photos or recording anywhere in the courthouse. |
| Lockers | No lockers; devices can be left with security at entry if storing them elsewhere isn't practical. The Court, Marshals and CSOs are not responsible for loss or damage. |
| Attorneys | Attorneys on court business are exempt. Attorneys the CSOs don't know must show a bar card at the public screening entrance or get approval from the judge's chambers or courtroom staff. Accompanying support staff are also exempt. Devices must be silent in courtrooms, and there is no transmitting or receiving there. |
| Governing order | Order 3:25-mc-00235-TMC, Prohibition of Wireless Communications Devices in Courtroom Facilities (Mar. 31, 2025) |
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 South Carolina county courthouses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the U.S. Courthouse, Columbia (headquarters)?
Wireless devices (cell phones, smart watches, smart glasses, cameras, laptops, tablets) are prohibited at all court facilities in the district. A Court Security Officer will tell visitors to store the device at home, in an office or in their vehicle; if that is not practical, it can be left with security at the entrance. No photos or recording anywhere in the courthouse.
Are there phone lockers at the U.S. Courthouse, Columbia (headquarters)?
No lockers; devices can be left with security at entry if storing them elsewhere isn't practical. The Court, Marshals and CSOs are not responsible for loss or damage.
Can attorneys bring phones to the U.S. Courthouse, Columbia (headquarters)?
Attorneys on court business are exempt. Attorneys the CSOs don't know must show a bar card at the public screening entrance or get approval from the judge's chambers or courtroom staff. Accompanying support staff are also exempt. Devices must be silent in courtrooms, and there is no transmitting or receiving there.
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.