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Courthouse Visitor Information

All visitors entering the courthouse must show Court Security Officers a photo ID and go through the magnetometer to screen for weapons.

To enter the Probation Office, the visitor should identify him/herself, indicate the purpose of the visit and whom he or she is visiting. The front office (located in Suite 2214) staff will have the visitor sign the Visitor’s Log, indicate the time of arrival, date, and the contact person. The visitor will be given a visitor tag and will be instructed to wait in the front office lobby for the contact person. The front office will call the contact person, who will then come to the front office and escort the visitor to his or her destination. All visitors will be escorted throughout the Probation Office at all times. Once the visitor has completed his or her business, the contact person will escort the visitor back to the front office, where the visitor should return the visitor tag.

Prohibition of Liquids Notice: Effective Monday, April 5, 2010, all liquids, aerosols, and gels in excess of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) will be prohibited from being brought into the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse and William B. Bryant Annex. Visitors will be limited to up to three separate containers (3.4 ounces each) per person. CLICK HERE for more information.

Screening Information

When visiting the courthouse, you will be required to undergo a security screening that includes the following:

  • Show a valid photo ID issued by a government agency (federal, state, local, or municipal) or a valid photo ID issued by a school or employer.
  • Remove electronic devices from purses, briefcases, backpacks, and pockets and place them on an x-ray machine to be screened.
  • Place your purse, briefcase, backpack, and any other item that you are carrying on an x-ray machine to be screened.
  • Remove keys, coins, wallets, and all other items in your pockets before walking through a magnetometer.
  • You may be asked to remove your belt, watch, jewelry, and shoes.
  • Luggage will undergo screening similar to what is done by TSA agents for carry-on luggage at airports. Prohibited items include sharp objects, guns and firearms, tools, explosive materials, flammable items, chemicals, martial arts and self-defense items, and sporting goods.

Electronic Device Policy of the U.S. Courts of the D.C. Circuit:

Effective: July 1, 2018

I. General Rule

Visitors may bring electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, laptops, tablets, smart watches, etc.) into the courthouse and annex. All devices will be screened by Court Security Officers upon entry.

II. Use of Electronic Devices in Public Areas

Visitors may use electronic devices in public areas of the courthouse and annex. However, for reasons of privacy, safety, and security, visitors may not take photographs, make audio or video recordings, or transmit live streaming audio or video. The only exceptions when expressly permitted are special events, ceremonies, receptions, or other approved activities that may take place in the atrium, cafeteria, corridors, or other public areas.

III. Use of Electronic Devices in Courtrooms

  • Court of Appeals Proceedings – All electronic devices with cellular or WiFi capability must be turned off or put in airplane mode before entering a courtroom in which a Court of Appeals proceeding is being held. The use of electronic devices to take photographs, make audio or video recordings, or transmit live audio or video streaming is prohibited.
  • District and Bankruptcy Court Proceedings – All electronic devices with cellular or WiFi capability must be turned off or put in airplane mode before entering a district or bankruptcy courtroom. The use of electronic devices to take photographs, make audio or video recordings, or transmit live audio or video streaming is prohibited. However, with the express prior approval of the presiding judge, electronic devices may be used to transmit and receive data communications, such as email or text messages, and to access the Internet ONLY.
  • Exceptions – With the express prior permission of the chief judge, presiding judge, or court executive of the sponsoring court and under such conditions as he or she may prescribe, electronic devices may be used to photograph or record a court ceremonial function held in a courtroom (naturalization ceremony, investiture ceremony, portrait presentation ceremony, memorial service, special ceremony, etc.), an educational function held in a courtroom (moot court, training, meeting, interview, etc.), or an empty courtroom for use by educators and documentarians. The chief judge, court executive, or special assistant to the chief judge will notify the U.S. Marshals Service in advance of the event that use of these devices is authorized.

IV. Violation of Electronic Device Policy

Any person violating this policy may be subject to contempt sanctions and/or barred from entering the courthouse and annex with electronic devices in the future.