What are the general court rules?

Appearing in Court

• Be on time.
• Throw away gum, food and drinks before entering the courtroom.
• Stand when the judge enters and leaves the courtroom.
• Stand when you are speaking to the judge.
• Speak clearly when you respond to the judge's questions.
• Always address the judge as "Your Honor."
• Never interrupt the judge. If you are unsure of what you heard, wait until the judge or other person speaking has finished talking before asking a question.
• Enter and leave the courtroom quietly so you do not disturb others.
• Only approach the bench when instructed to do so.

Dressing for Court

When appearing in court, you should dress nicely and in a manner that shows respect for the court.

Here are some things you should NOT wear:

• Hats (except those worn for religious purposes)
• Sunglasses
• Shorts
• Miniskirts
• Clothing depicting violence, sexual acts, profanity, or illegal drugs
• Halter, crop, tank, or tube tops
• Tops with plunging necklines or midriffs showing
• Ripped or torn jeans
• Baggy pants that fall below the waist
• Muscle shirts (usually worn as undergarments)

If you are not dressed properly, you will be asked to leave the court and return at a later date. This will delay your hearing and require you to appear in court more than once.

Prohibited Items

Items that should NOT enter the courthouse:

• Weapons of any kind
• Electronic equipment such as video, voice recorders, or cameras (unless approved by the court)
• Food, beverages, chewing gum and tobacco

Children in the Courtroom

Please do not bring children to court. Please arrange for a friend or relative to watch your children while you are in court. Children under 10 are not allowed.

Cell Phones and Pagers

The use of cell phones are not allowed in the courtroom. Your cell phone or pager must be turned off before entering so that you do not disrupt the court. If you are required to carry a phone or pager for business purposes, it must be placed on silent mode.

Security Precautions

Before entering the court you may go through a security checkpoint. In most cases, you will be asked to walk through a metal detector or an officer will use a wand to check for prohibited items. You should allow the officer to search any bags, packages or personal belongings that will be taken into the courtroom. If you refuse to cooperate, you may be denied entry to your hearing.

Respect

The courtroom is a place of order and structure. You should at all times act in a respectful manner when in the presence of the judge, court staff, attorneys, court officers and other persons attending court. Once the court has made a ruling in your case, continue to be respectful as you exit the courtroom. Attempts to disrupt the court once the judge has made a ruling may result in jail time.

Return to FAQ’s