U.S. Federal Building and Courthouse (E.D. Wis.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Cell phones are allowed. Electronic devices, wires and batteries must be taken out of cases for inspection at security. All phones and devices must be silenced in courtrooms. Cameras, and any devices with built-in cameras, may not be used for photos without a court order. No photographing or recording of court proceedings. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Address | 517 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202 |
| Public phones | Allowed for the public |
| Rule for visitors | Cell phones are allowed. Electronic devices, wires and batteries must be taken out of cases for inspection at security. All phones and devices must be silenced in courtrooms. Cameras, and any devices with built-in cameras, may not be used for photos without a court order. No photographing or recording of court proceedings. |
| Jurors | Juror reporting instructions: cell phones are allowed. Electronic devices must be removed from cases for inspection. |
| Attorneys | No separate attorney device rule found. Free attorney/media Wi-Fi is available on court floors. |
| Governing order | General Local Rule 83 (photography/recording) |
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 Wisconsin county courthouses.
Other Federal Courthouses in Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the U.S. Federal Building and Courthouse?
Cell phones are allowed. Electronic devices, wires and batteries must be taken out of cases for inspection at security. All phones and devices must be silenced in courtrooms. Cameras, and any devices with built-in cameras, may not be used for photos without a court order. No photographing or recording of court proceedings.
Can jurors bring phones to the U.S. Federal Building and Courthouse?
Juror reporting instructions: cell phones are allowed. Electronic devices must be removed from cases for inspection.
Can attorneys bring phones to the U.S. Federal Building and Courthouse?
No separate attorney device rule found. Free attorney/media Wi-Fi is available on court floors.
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.