Odell Horton Federal Building (W.D. Tenn.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Cell phones and smart watches are not allowed in the Odell Horton Federal Building (Memphis) or the Ed Jones Courthouse (Jackson), except for people answering a jury summons, people serving on a jury, and approved visitors. Phones are not allowed in court while it is in session. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Address | 167 North Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103 |
| Public phones | Banned for the general public |
| Rule for visitors | Cell phones and smart watches are not allowed in the Odell Horton Federal Building (Memphis) or the Ed Jones Courthouse (Jackson), except for people answering a jury summons, people serving on a jury, and approved visitors. Phones are not allowed in court while it is in session. |
| Jurors | People answering a jury summons and serving jurors may bring phones and smart watches, but not into court while it is in session. |
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 Odell Horton Federal Building?
Cell phones and smart watches are not allowed in the Odell Horton Federal Building (Memphis) or the Ed Jones Courthouse (Jackson), except for people answering a jury summons, people serving on a jury, and approved visitors. Phones are not allowed in court while it is in session.
Can jurors bring phones to the Odell Horton Federal Building?
People answering a jury summons and serving jurors may bring phones and smart watches, but not into court while it is in session.
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.