Rules of the Court

Dress Code

The following dress code shall apply when court is in session. All persons in the courtroom shall be dressed in a manner appropriate to the dignity and decorum of the courtroom setting. As minimum standards, the following rules apply:

• No clothing that promotes violence or is lewd, offensive, vulgar, or contains obscene language
• No clothing, which advertises alcohol, drugs, or tobacco
• No hats or caps
• No pants that are excessively long or sag below the top of the hip line
• No shorts, short dresses, or short skirts
• No sunglasses
• No tube-tops, halters, half shirts, muscle shirts, crop tops, or any shirt that allows the naval or bra to show
• No underclothing should be visible at any time

If you are not properly dressed, you will be asked to leave.

Children

Please do not bring children to court. This is not an appropriate setting for a child due to the types of cases that are handled by this court. If you have no choice but to bring a child, please immediately exit the courtroom if the child is noisy or disruptive.

Addressing the Court

The Bailiff of the Court shall enforce the rules of conduct and courtroom decorum.

• Answer appropriately with "yes" or "no."
• Address counsel as "sir" or "ma'am."
• Address the Judge as "Your Honor."
• Do not lean on the bench.

Conduct

You must be respectful and quiet in the courtroom at all times. Always be polite when speaking. All persons shall refrain from any gesture and from conduct or behavior that manifests disrespect for the court, counsel, litigants, witnesses, court staff, law enforcement personnel, or other persons.

Prohibited Conduct

• Absolutely no cell phones or beepers are allowed in court. Should your cell phone ring after court begins, it will become the property of the court.
• All persons shall rise when the Judge enters the courtroom and at such other times as the bailiff may instruct.
• During courtroom proceeding, no person, including attorneys, shall attempt to communicate with the prosecutors or staff.
• No food, beverages, or paper cups allowed in the courtroom, except as permitted by the court. You must properly dispose of any items brought into the courtroom.
• No gum chewing.
• No propping of feet on tables or chairs.
• No talking or unnecessary noise is permitted, which interferes with court proceedings. No loud talking or profanity.
• No tape recorders, radios, computers, camera, or other electronic devices shall be used in the courtroom unless the device is required for the court proceeding or unless the court gives prior approval.
• No tobacco use in any form.

For More Information

Please contact one of the Justices if you have questions about these rules.