Court Conduct

Rules of Conduct
As in any other court of law, there are rules of conduct by which every person appearing or attending must abide. These rules of conduct are set out for the civility of the court process and so those in attendance are given a fair atmosphere in which to present their case. Everyone in attendance should present themselves in a decent matter and shall be civil at all times. 

• No weapons are allowed in the courtroom.
• No smoking is allowed in the courtroom.
• No obscene or vulgar language is allowed in the courtroom.
• All electronic devices should be turned off. 

• Be on time. When you come into the courtroom, sign your name on the sign-up sheet.
• Come prepared to ask questions of witnesses, not the judge.
• You will be allowed to give testimony from the stand, not from the defense table.
• Do not argue with the court.
• Address the court as "judge" or "your honor".
• Address opposing parties, counsel, witnesses, and officers formally. Do not use first names, except when it relates to children.
• Do not read newspapers, magazines, books, etc. in the courtroom during proceedings.
• Do not talk at the same time as the judge, counsel, witnesses or other court personnel.
• Racist, sexist, obscene or profane language or gestures are prohibited unless it is pertinent to a case and is elicited and quoted from facts of the case.
• Do not enter and depart from the courtroom excessively.
• Do not disturb or distract the court, counsel, witnesses and other court personnel.
• Children must not create a disturbance.
• Do not approach the Judge's bench or Clerk's desk without permission. Do not rest arms or hands on the bench.
• Leave all purses, brief cases, etc. at the defense table when you are called to the Judge's or Clerk's desk.
• Have all paperwork, driver's license, evidence, etc. ready when called to approach the Judge's bench.
• Rise when the judge enters and remain standing until the judge announces, "be seated."
• No food or drinks are allowed in the courtroom.

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