In the interest of informing the public about the work of the Court, below please find helpful information pertaining to visiting the court, court history and general information about the federal judiciary. Members of the media should also consult the Media Resources section of the Court’s site by clicking here.
COURTHOUSE VISITORS POLICY
All visitors to the U.S. Courthouse and the portion of the John O. Pastore Building that is occupied by the Court (“Courthouse”) must present valid photo identification issued by a government agency (e.g., driver’s license or bar card) in order to access the Courthouse.
Visitors must submit to screening and place all bags, briefcases and other personal items on an x-ray machine to be screened. Additionally, visitors may be asked to remove belts, watches, jewelry and shoes.
The general public is prohibited from bringing any electronic device into the Courthouse. All devices will be checked and stored at the security screening station in the Courthouse lobby. No exceptions will be made.
More information pertaining to visiting the Courthouse can be found below
- Local Rule - Gen 112 - Use of Cellular Phones and Other Electronic Devices
- Policy on Service of Civil Process in Courthouse – 9/9/2010
Directions to the Courthouse
- Directions to the Courthouse
- Map of Downtown Providence
The Map provides walking directions from the Convention Center Parking Garage to the Courthouse - Picture of the US District Courthouse
Photograph courtesy of Carol M. Highsmith
Contact information
The Clerk's Office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (401) 752-7200
Fax: (401) 752-7247
Federal Building and Courthouse
One Exchange Terrace
Providence, RI 02903
If you have a question or comment, please contact ContactUs@RID.USCOURTS.GOV or call (401) 752-7200
General Information about the U.S. Courts and the District of Rhode Island
- Understanding the Federal Courts
- Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
- John O. Pastore Federal Building
| Legislative History | |
| June 23, 1790 1 Stat. 128 |
Congress organized Rhode Island as one judicial district, authorized one judgeship for the U.S. district court, and assigned the district to the Eastern Circuit. |
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February 13, 1801 |
Judiciary Act of 1801 reorganized the federal courts into six circuits and assigned the District of Rhode Island to the First Circuit. |
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April 29, 1802 |
After repealing the Judiciary Act of 1801, Congress in the Judiciary Act of 1802 again organized the federal courts into six circuits and assigned the District of Rhode Island to the First Circuit. |
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March 18, 1966 |
One additional judgeship authorized for a total of two judgeships. |
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July 10, 1984 |
One additional judgeship authorized for a total of three judgeships. |