Rule II. Courtroom Decorum and Procedures

Rule II. Courtroom Decorum and Procedures

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

   B. Attorneys shall conduct themselves in a manner which promotes a positive image of the profession, assists the court in properly reviewing the case, and displays appropriate respect for the justice system. Specifically, an attorney who manifests professional courtesy and civility:

   1. Is punctual and prepared for all court appearances;

   2. Always interacts with parties, counsel, witnesses, court personnel, and the court with courtesy and respect;

   3. Makes objections during court proceedings for legitimate reasons in good faith, and does not make objections only for the purpose of harassment or delay; and

   4. Honors appropriate requests made by opposing counsel during court proceedings that do not prejudice the client’s rights or sacrifices tactical advantage.

   C. All parties and counsel shall be prepared to proceed at the scheduled hearing time. When the judge enters the courtroom, those present shall rise and remain standing until the judge is seated or until granted permission by the court to sit.

   D. All parties and counsel shall examine witnesses and address the Court from the counsel table and shall not approach the bench or witness stand while the court is in session without first obtaining permission from the court.

   E. Witnesses and parties shall be referred to and addressed by their surnames unless age or other circumstances allow for usage of their first name. Only one counsel for each party shall examine a witness or make objections during the testimony of said witness.

   F. In the discretion of the security officers, sheriffs, or court, any person may be subjected to a search of his or her person for possession of any weapons, destructive devices, or components thereof.

   G. Attorneys shall be attired in ordinary business wear. All parties, witnesses, and persons present in the courtroom shall be appropriately attired. The court may continue or delay a hearing if any party’s appearance is inappropriate. The court may also cause the removal from the courtroom of any individual inappropriately attired.

   H. All court proceedings are open to the public as provided by law; however, the court may close the proceedings or a portion thereof pursuant to law and the Supreme Court Rules.

   I. Electronic devices shall be turned off or otherwise disabled so as to not cause a disturbance during court proceedings. Unless expressly authorized by the judge, all broadcasting, televising, and/or taking photographs, as well as audio and video recording, except for the making of the official court record of the proceeding, are prohibited in the courtroom and in the areas immediately adjacent to all juvenile courtrooms, as well as in the juvenile court reception area, during sessions or during the recesses between sessions.

Adopted March 31, 1995; amended May 31, 2023.