Standing Order 2026-04 re: Electronic Devices in Courthouse

The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland has issued Standing Order 2026-04 re: Electronic Devices in Courthouse.

The Court’s email lists a number of exceptions, including “Members of the Bar of the District of Maryland, pro hac vice attorneys, and counsel of record in scheduled proceedings, who must present an electronic bar membership credential to court security personnel upon entry to the courthouse.  Attorneys authorized to practice will receive an email with instructions on obtaining their electronic bar credential.”

After listing those exceptions, it adds: “Excepted individuals other than those listed above, including accompanying members of an attorney’s staff, pro se litigants appearing for a scheduled proceeding, members of the media, and individuals with a special need, may obtain prior permission to bring an electronic device into the courthouse through the Electronic Device Request form on the Court’s website.”

Members of the Bar and staff may use the devices in witness conference rooms and attorney lounges. Use is prohibited inside courtrooms and in the presence of jurors outside of courtrooms.  Use is limited to that necessary to conduct court business.  Self represented litigants may request permission.

Counsel of record and their staff may use devices in courtrooms while at counsel table (unless ordered otherwise) provided that they are silent and not used for prohibited activity under Local Rule 506.

Clients are not considered staff and: “Excepted attorneys are responsible for advising their clients that the possession of portable electronic devices in the courthouse is generally prohibited.”

“Portable electronic devices” include laptop computers, cell phones, electronic tablets, cameras, smart watches, smart glasses, “and any other instruments capable of photograph, video recording, audio recording, or wireless communications (including earpieces and fitness trackers).”

Visitors permitted to bring devices into the courthouse “must keep these devices out of sight and either powered down or in silent mode….”

Visitors with special or disability-related needs, such as for medical monitoring purposes or to control hearing aids, must obtain limited authorization from the Clerk’s Office.

There are multiple exceptions for certain federal officials, jurors (with limitations), the news media and others.

The Court will provide lock boxes for excluded devices.  The order will take effect on November 2, 2026.