U.S. Courts of the D.C. Circuit
Courthouse Decorum Policy
No person will engage in a demonstration within the public areas of the E. Barrett Prettyman
Courthouse and William B. Bryant Annex (“courthouse”). The term “demonstration” includes
demonstrations, picketing, speechmaking (except as authorized in connection with official
functions), marching, holding vigils or religious services, carrying or wearing signs (or their
functional equivalent), and all other like forms of conduct that involve the communication or
expression of views or grievances when such conduct is reasonably likely to draw attention or
to impede the administration of justice or the decorum of court proceedings.
No person will create any disturbances in the public areas of the courthouse. For purposes of
this policy, a disturbance is any behavior that falls within the definition of disturbance set forth
in Title 41, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 102-74.390. Specifically, all persons entering the
courthouse are prohibited from loitering, exhibiting disorderly conduct or exhibiting other
conduct that: (a) creates loud or unusual noise or a nuisance; (b) unreasonably obstructs the
usual use of entrances, foyers, lobbies, corridors, offices, elevators, stairways, or parking lots;
(c) otherwise impedes or disrupts the performance of official duties by government employees;
(d) prevents the general public from obtaining the administrative services provided in the
courthouse in a timely manner; or (e) is reasonably likely to improperly influence, intimidate,
coerce, or threaten a witness, juror, grand juror, judge, and/or court personnel or otherwise
impede the administration of justice.
Any person violating this policy may be removed from the courthouse and may be subject to
contempt sanctions and/or barred from entering the courthouse in the future.
All persons in the courthouse must at all times comply with official signs of a prohibitory or
regulatory nature and with the lawful direction of law enforcement and other authorized
individuals.
Effective December 13, 2022