United States Courthouse, Madison (W.D. Wis.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Mobile phones are allowed, but videos and photographs are strictly prohibited, and phones must be silenced or turned off in the courtroom. Cameras, other recording devices, weapons, and smart glasses (Meta glasses, Google Glass, any eyeglasses that can record) are prohibited in the courthouse. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Address | 120 North Henry Street, Madison, WI 53703 |
| Public phones | Allowed for the public |
| Rule for visitors | Mobile phones are allowed, but videos and photographs are strictly prohibited, and phones must be silenced or turned off in the courtroom. Cameras, other recording devices, weapons, and smart glasses (Meta glasses, Google Glass, any eyeglasses that can record) are prohibited in the courthouse. |
| Attorneys | No separate attorney device rule found. Free wireless access is provided to attorneys through the Western District Bar Association. |
| Governing order | Courthouse Prohibited Items list (updated Feb. 6, 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 Wisconsin county courthouses.
Other Federal Courthouses in Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the United States Courthouse, Madison?
Mobile phones are allowed, but videos and photographs are strictly prohibited, and phones must be silenced or turned off in the courtroom. Cameras, other recording devices, weapons, and smart glasses (Meta glasses, Google Glass, any eyeglasses that can record) are prohibited in the courthouse.
Can attorneys bring phones to the United States Courthouse, Madison?
No separate attorney device rule found. Free wireless access is provided to attorneys through the Western District Bar Association.
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.