Legal Advice
In accordance with the provisions of Title 28 U.S.C. § 955, Clerk's Office staff are prohibited from giving legal advice or engaging in the practice of law. Therefore, Clerk's Office personnel cannot:
- Explain the meaning of a specific rule
- Make an interpretation of case law
- Explain the result of taking or not taking an action in a case
- Answer whether jurisdiction is proper in a case
- Answer whether a complaint properly presents a claim
- Provide advice on the best procedure to accomplish a particular objective
Clerk's Office staff can provide procedural information such as:
- Instructions on how to execute a task (e.g. number of copies, use of forms, etc.)
- Provide information as to compliance with this Court's policies
Building Security
Goal
The main goal of the United States Marshals Service (USMS) and Court Security Officers (CSOs) is to maintain a safe and secure environment for all who enter the building. Cooperation from everyone is necessary to achieve this very important goal.
When planning our visit to the courthouse, please be aware of the following:
What to Expect
You are prohibited from bringing certain items into the courthouse, including:
- Weapons of any type
- Knives, scissors, or anything with a cutting edge
- Cameras1 or cellular phones2
- Liquids of any type
You are required to show current picture identification:
- Driver's License
- United States Military ID
- United States Passport
Invalid forms of identification include:
- Hunting license
- Library card
You are required to pass through a metal detector staffed by CSOs.
Items which may set off the metal detector's alarm include:
- keys and loose change
- purses and handbags
- heavy jewelry
- watches
- metal hair barrettes or other hair decoration
- belt buckles
To avoid setting off an alarm, you will be asked to remove all such items and place them into a plastic bin, which will be sent through a visual screener and returned to you immediately after you have passed through the metal detector.
If an alarm on the metal detector is set off as you pass through, CSOs must identify the source of the alarm. You will be required to undergo additional screening, which may include passing through the metal detector a second time.
Keep in mind that touching the sides of the metal detector may set off an alarm. It is recommended that you keep your hands to your sides as you pass through to help avoid additional screening.