Fred D. Thompson U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building (M.D. Tenn.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Devices (phones, laptops, tablets) are subject to x-ray and visual inspection at the building entrances. They may not be used for photos, recording or broadcasting on the court's floors, and are not allowed in petit or grand jury rooms. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Address | 719 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37203 |
| Public phones | Allowed for the public |
| Rule for visitors | Devices (phones, laptops, tablets) are subject to x-ray and visual inspection at the building entrances. They may not be used for photos, recording or broadcasting on the court's floors, and are not allowed in petit or grand jury rooms. |
| Jurors | No electronic devices are allowed inside petit or grand jury rooms. |
| Attorneys | Attorneys and their supervised paralegals and assistants may use devices in the courtroom when needed for the proceeding (e.g. evidence presentation): silent, no voice calls, no recording. The judge may disallow them at any time. |
| Governing order | M.D. Tenn. LR 83.03 and LCrR 53.01; Administrative Order No. 156-2 (Apr. 27, 2011) |
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 Tennessee county courthouses.
Other Federal Courthouses in Tennessee
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the Fred D. Thompson U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building?
Devices (phones, laptops, tablets) are subject to x-ray and visual inspection at the building entrances. They may not be used for photos, recording or broadcasting on the court's floors, and are not allowed in petit or grand jury rooms.
Can jurors bring phones to the Fred D. Thompson U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building?
No electronic devices are allowed inside petit or grand jury rooms.
Can attorneys bring phones to the Fred D. Thompson U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building?
Attorneys and their supervised paralegals and assistants may use devices in the courtroom when needed for the proceeding (e.g. evidence presentation): silent, no voice calls, no recording. The judge may disallow them at any time.
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.