The dignity of the court is to be respected and maintained at all times.
Attire for counsel and spectators should be restrained and appropriate to the dignity of a court of the United States.
Most courtroom proceedings are recorded either by an official court reporter or by an electronic digital recording system; counsel should be aware that private conversations among individuals at the counsel tables may be picked up by the recording system through the courtroom microphones.
Court Security Officers and court staff are authorized to open and inspect any item carried into the courtroom.
Everyone in the courtroom, unless physically unable to do so, must rise when the presiding judge enters and must remain standing until the presiding judge invites everyone to be seated. Similarly, when court adjourns, everyone must stand in place until the judge exits the courtroom.
Only members in good standing of the United States Court of Federal Claims bar may sit at the counsel tables or within the well of the courtroom when court is in session.
Coatracks in the hallways outside the courtrooms are available.
Only material relating to the court’s business may be read in the courtroom while court is in session.
When court is in session, no one should be heard except for the judge or counsel addressing the court.
All electronic devices must be turned off before entering the courtroom, except those used by counsel with advance permission of the presiding judge.
Repeated entrances and departures are to be avoided.
Doorways and passageways must be kept clear at all times.
The following activities are prohibited in the courtroom and adjacent lobby area while court is in session:
- Audio or visual recording or broadcasting of any kind;
- Photographing of any kind;
- Eating or drinking, except for water provided at the counsel tables; and
- Using any electronic device, including computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices (including phones), except by counsel with advance permission of the presiding judge.
Updated January 2020