Attending Oral Arguments

Communication Accessibility

Assistive auditory devices (“hearing loop”) are available in each courtroom for spectators during argument.  Please let a member of the courtroom or security staff know if you require an assistive device.

Mobility-Based Accessibility

The accessible entrance and exit to the National Courts Building is located off of H Street, between Vermont Avenue and 15th Street, NW (through the brick breezeway).

Lobby elevators go to all courtroom floors including the Clerk’s Office on the fourth floor.  The seating in Courtrooms 201 and 203 requires no use of stairs.  The seating in Courtroom 402 requires the use of stairs.  An access lift is available to the public.  A member of the courtroom or security staff can assist with lift access.

Business formal attire is expected of counsel, members of the bar, and those assisting with argument.

Attire for members of the public need only be restrained and appropriate to the dignity of the court.

The Federal Circuit has adopted the following rules of decorum for when the court is in session.

• 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 Appeals of the United States.
• Court security officers and Court staff are authorized to open and inspect any item carried into a courtroom.
• Everyone in the courtroom, unless physically unable to do so, must rise when the judges enter and remain standing until the presiding judge invites everyone to be seated. Similarly, when court adjourns, everyone stands in place until the judges are no longer visible.
• Standing in the courtroom may be permitted only at the discretion of the Clerk.
• Areas marked as reserved are for Court Staff and Federal Circuit Law Clerks.
• Only members in good standing of the Federal Circuit bar may sit either at counsel tables or within the well of the court when court is in session Counsel may address the court when invited to do so.
• Only counsel associated with the appeal being argued may address the Court, unless a judge directs otherwise.
• Coats, outerwear, and large bags must be stored at the coat racks outside the courtroom areas. Arguing counsel may bring in bags containing materials necessary for argument.
• Only material relating to the Court’s business can be read in the courtroom while court is in session.
• When Court is in session, no one should be heard except for counsel making argument or a judge.
• 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 in argued cases while seated at counsel tables.
• All electronic devices must be turned off before entering the courtroom, except those used by counsel while at the counsel tables.
• Repeated entrances and departures are to be avoided. Doorways and passageways should be kept clear at all times.

Courtrooms open for seating one hour before court begins.  Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  The Clerk’s Office does not reserve seating during oral arguments for parties or by special request of arguing counsel.

Only members of the Federal Circuit bar and government counsel appearing on behalf of a government entity may sit at the counsel tables or in the well of the court (i.e., inside the bar rail).  Parties and legal support staff may not sit at the counsel tables or in the well of the court unless they are also members of the Federal Circuit bar or registered government counsel.

All electronic devices, including computers, laptops, tablets, phones, and other mobile devices, must be turned off while in the courtroom.  However, arguing counsel may use laptops or tablet devices in silent mode while seated at the counsel tables.