Rule 2. Decorum and Attire.

Rule 2. Decorum and Attire.

   2.1. The judge shall require order and decorum in proceedings before the judge.

   2.2. Attorneys shall conduct themselves, whether in court or by remote technology, in a manner that promotes a professional, courteous, and civil representation of the legal profession and the courts, assists the Court in properly reviewing the case, and displays appropriate respect for the Court, the parties, and the proceedings. An attorney who manifests professional courtesy and civility:
 
   a. Is punctual and prepared for all court appearances;
 
   b. Interacts with parties, counsel, witnesses, court personnel, and the Court with courtesy and respect, in a timely manner;
 
   c. Makes legal objections in good faith and does not make such objections for the purpose of harassment or delay; and
 
   d. Timely responds to requests made by opposing counsel and the Court.
 
   2.3. All parties and their attorneys shall be present and prepared to proceed at the hour set by the Court for the hearing.

 

   2.4. Counsel and self-represented litigants shall not participate in colloquy with opposing counsel or courtroom observers during a hearing, whether audible or inaudible, without permission of the Court.
 
   2.5. Attorneys or self-represented litigants shall examine witnesses and address the Court from the attorney’s table and shall not approach the bench, witness stand, court reporter, opposing counsel, or otherwise move from the counsel table without first obtaining the permission of the Court.
 
   2.6. Witnesses and parties shall be referred to and addressed by their surnames or professional titles unless age or other circumstances allows for the usage of their first names.
 
   2.7. Only one counsel for each party shall examine a witness or make objections during the testimony of the witness.
 
   2.8. In the discretion of law enforcement charged with courthouse security, any person may be subjected to a search of his or her person, property, or possessions for weapons, destructive devices, or components thereof.
 
   2.9. All court proceedings are open to the public as provided by law; however, the Court may close a proceeding pursuant to the Nebraska Supreme Court Rules, on motion of counsel or self-respresented litigants and notice to all parties 14 judicial days before a hearing. Counsel or self-represented litigants shall simultaneously submit a brief in support of or in opposition to a motion to close proceedings and cite legal authority for the request. Briefs must be provided to the Court and all parties seven (7) judicial days before the hearing on the motion, absent exigent circumstances. Response briefs shall be due three (3) judicial days before the hearing on the motion. Briefs shall not exceed 10 pages.
 
   2.10. Attorneys shall be attired in ordinary business wear. All parties, witnesses, and persons present in the courtroom shall be appropriately attired as is suitable and proper for court proceedings. The Court may cause the removal from the courtroom of any individual not appropriately attired.
 
   2.11. All electronic devices shall be turned off or otherwise silenced to not cause a disturbance during court proceedings, unless otherwise approved by the Court.
 

   2.12. Unless expressly authorized by the Court, all broadcasting, televising, taking of photographs, and audio and video recording, except for making the official court record of the proceedings, are prohibited in the courtroom and in the areas immediately adjacent to all juvenile courtrooms, as well as in the Juvenile Court reception area. This shall include hearings by remote technology.