The following rules can be summarized as follows: “Be respectful and show the court the respect it deserves.” As part of being respectful, do the following:
- Show up to court on time.
- Dress appropriately. Do not wear caps, shorts, jeans, tank tops or other form of dress from which the court might conclude you are being less than respectful. Tuck in all tops.
- Shut off all electronic devices while in the courtroom.
- Do not chew gum, eat candy or bring sodas in the courtroom.
- Do not speak to others or interrupt anyone while court is in session.
- Do not come past the rail in the seating area of the courtroom, unless you are asked to do so by your lawyer or the court staff.
- During the course of the hearing on your case, feel free to write notes to your attorney, but do not interrupt him or her or keep him or her from doing the job for which he or she was hired.
- Only answer the questions you are asked. Do not volunteer information. Whenever possible, answer with a simple “yes,” “no” or “I don’t know.”
- Speak slowly, loudly and clearly when addressing the court.
- Regardless of where you are in the courtroom, refrain from nonverbal communication such as looks of shock or disdain, shaking your head, or rolling your eyes.