For the safety and protection of all Courthouse occupants and visitors, the following policies apply to all Courthouses in the Western District of Kentucky.  Please see General Order 25-10 for details.

Security Screening

All visitors to a Courthouse shall pass through the walkthrough magnetometer.  All visitors and their belongings are subject to search by the United States Marshals Service.

Photo Identification

All persons entering a Courthouse may be requested to provide identification and to state the nature of their business in the Courthouse. Official government issued photo I.D. is required for entry; however, REAL ID Act compliant identification is not required.

Electronic Smoking Devices

Electronic smoking devices, including “vaporizers”, “vapes”, and “E-Cigarettes” are not permitted in the Courthouses.

Firearms and Other Prohibited Items

It is unlawful to possess firearms, and other dangerous weapons, including but not limited to, explosives, pepper spray, incendiary devices, and knives in any federal building, including the Courthouses, with or without the intent to commit a crime (Title 18 U.S.C. § 930(a)(b)). Except as specifically provided in General Order 25-10, no person shall possess a weapon in the Courthouses. Any person attempting to bring either firearms or other dangerous weapons into a Courthouse will have those items confiscated by the United States Marshals Service, in addition to being denied entry to the Courthouse and, potentially, subjected to arrest.

Food and Drink

There is no blanket prohibition against bringing in food and drink into a Courthouse; however, unless otherwise permitted by the presiding judge, no member of the public will be permitted to bring food, beverages, or chewing gum into any courtroom.  Exceptions shall be made for formula, breast milk, and baby food for infants in the amount of 8 ounces or less, and medically necessary liquids in the amount of 3.4 ounces or less

Cell Phones and Cameras

Cell phones may be brought into the Louisville Courthouse but are not permitted into the Bowling Green, Owensboro, or Paducah Courthouses.  Cell phones may not be brough into any courtroom.  Standalone cameras are not permitted in any Courthouse and no photography or video of the interior of the Courthouse are permitted except as set forth in General Order 25-10.