FILED
April 28, 2026
CLERK, U.S. DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT Alicia Davis
BY: ________________________________
FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS DEPUTY
AUSTIN DIVISION
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GENERAL ORDER REGARDING ELECTRONIC DEVICES
To maintain safety, privacy, and the orderly conduct of court proceedings, the following
rules apply to all electronic devices brought into the United States Courthouse for the Western
District of Texas, Austin Division.
What counts as an electronic device
This order applies to any device capable of communication, recording, transmitting, or
storing audio, video, or images. This includes (but is not limited to) phones, smartwatches, tablets,
laptops, cameras, wearable devices (such as glasses or pendants), and similar technology, whether
now existing or developed in the future. Court security personnel may ask anyone to demonstrate
that a device functions as described.
Who may bring devices into the courthouse
Attorneys and parties may bring electronic devices into the courthouse unless otherwise
restricted by the Court. All other individuals may bring devices only as permitted by court security or
by authorization from the Court.
No recording or transmission
Unless the Court gives permission, no one may use any device to:
take photos or videos,
make audio recordings,
livestream or broadcast proceedings, or
share real-time audio or video of any person, object, or proceeding.
This rule applies anywhere inside the courthouse.
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Use inside courtrooms
Unless the Court gives permission, inside a courtroom:
devices must be silenced (no sounds, alerts, or vibrations that can be heard);
calls, photos, videos, voice communication, and recordings are not allowed;
texting, messaging, email, or other communication may be limited or prohibited at the
Court’s discretion; and
devices and any use of a device must not distract from or interfere with proceedings.
Use outside courtrooms
Devices may be used in public areas of the courthouse if the use is reasonable, not
disruptive, and consistent with this Order.
Enforcement.
The Court, the United States Marshals Service, Court Security Officers, and courthouse
personnel can enforce this Order. Anyone who violates these rules may:
be asked to leave the courthouse,
have their device confiscated, and/or
face additional action as directed by the Court.
This Order is signed on April 28, 2026 and effective on May 4, 2026.
___________________________ ___________________________
ROBERT PITMAN ALAN ALBRIGHT
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
___________________________
DAVID EZRA
SENIOR UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
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