Skip to main content

GENERAL RULE 1.6 COURTROOM CONDUCT AND USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES

(A) INSPECTION An individual may enter a courthouse building only if the individual has submitted to inspection of their person and any items in the individual's possession, if requested by the United States Marshals Service or a court security officer.

(B) COURTROOM CONDUCT When court is in session, individuals must take a seat immediately upon entering the courtroom and conduct themselves in a quiet, orderly, and respectful manner. Individuals must be fully clothed in attire suitable to the maintenance of the dignity of the court. Individuals may not chew gum or bring food into the courtroom while court is in session. Individuals may not enter or leave the courtroom while the court is charging a jury, except in an emergency. Individuals leaving a courtroom while court is in session or during a recess may not loiter in the halls and must abide by this rule to reenter.

(C) ELECTRONIC DEVICES Devices are allowed in the courthouse, including courtrooms. In a courtroom, devices must be turned off or muted, and authorized use of a device must be minimally disruptive.

A device may not be used to photograph, record, broadcast, store, or send images or sounds of an individual or thing in a courtroom or its surrounding areas, judge's chambers, jury room, clerk's office, or building corridor on a floor on which a courtroom, judge's chambers, or jury room is located. However, a judge may permit (a) the use of electronic or photographic means for the presentation of evidence or the perpetuation of a record, and (b) the broadcasting, recording, or photographing of ceremonial or naturalization proceedings.

(D) EXCLUSION AND INSPECTION The United States Marshals Service and court security officers may exclude from a courtroom, prohibit from a courthouse, or confiscate a device if there is reason to believe the user of the device has violated this rule. A device may be subject to visual and electronic inspection by the United States Marshals Service and court security officers. An inspection may include a demonstration of the device's functionality by the individual in possession of the device.