The E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse is located at 333 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20001.
The building faces Constitution Avenue where Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues merge. There are two convenient Metro stations within walking distance: Judiciary Square (Red Line), at the east side of 4th Street between D and E Streets, and Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter (Yellow Line), at 7th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.
The courthouse is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visitors may enter through the 3rd Street entrance at any time or through the John Marshall Park entrance from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Screening
All visitors must pass through a magnetometer and should advise court security at the screening station if assistance is required. All personal items, including electronic devices, will be screened. Chemicals, explosives, firearms, flammable items, martial arts and self-defense items, sharp objects, sporting goods, and tools are strictly prohibited.
Liquids, aerosols, and gels of more than 3.4 ounces (100 mL) are also prohibited. Visitors will be limited to three separate containers of 3.4 ounces (100 mL) per person. Court security officers are authorized to make exceptions if a prohibited item is determined to be necessary and required to serve childcare, medical, or other special needs. Jurors who display their jury summons and judges, court staff, and other building tenants who display their building access cards are exempt from the prohibition on liquids.
Visitors attempting to enter with prohibited items or liquids will be asked to dispose of them in trash receptacles outside the building.
Electronic Device Policy
Visitors are permitted to bring cell phones, laptops, smart watches, tablets, etc. into the courthouse. Other than as expressly permitted for special events, ceremonies, or receptions that may take place in the atrium, cafeteria, corridors, or other public areas, however, visitors may not take photographs, make audio or video recordings, or transmit live streaming audio or video.
Visitors must turn off or put into airplane mode any electronic device with cellular or WiFi capability before entering a district or bankruptcy courtroom. Electronic devices may be used to transmit and receive data communications, such as email or text messages, and to access the Internet, only with the express prior approval of the presiding judge. The use of electronic devices to take photographs, make audio or video recordings, or transmit live audio or video streaming is strictly prohibited.
Any person violating the electronic device policy may be subject to contempt sanctions and/or barred from entering the courthouse with electronic devices in the future.
Clerk’s Office
Hours
Monday – Friday, 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M., except on holidays
Location
Room 1225
Communication
(202) 354-3280
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Drop Box
As a customer service, the Clerk’s Office has installed a drop box just inside the 3rd Street entrance to the courthouse. The drop box is located on the right side just after security. Please stamp the back of your documents "received" with the current date and time using the automated stamping device installed to the side of the drop box. Secure the documents you are filing in an envelope or with rubber bands before depositing them. Filing instructions are posted at the drop box and the U.S. Marshals on duty can provide general assistance.
Documents deposited in the drop box after-hours will be collected once a day, Monday through Friday, and filed as of the date stamped on the back. Documents deposited without the date and time stamp will be filed at the time they are collected by the deputy. If an emergency matter regarding a scheduled hearing is filed, you must notify the courtroom deputy at (202) 354-3178. For all other emergency filings, you must notify the case administrator handling the last digit of your case number.