Courtroom Decorum

In order to maintain order at all times, the Judge has issued certain rules regarding decorum while in the courtroom.

Order

Order shall be maintained at all times. Violation of this rule can result in a reprimand by the judge, expulsion from the courtroom or a contempt citation. Order may be maintained by:
  • No loud talking
  • No disruptive sounds or noises

Weapons

Absolutely no weapons shall be brought into the courtroom. The Judge shall have the discretion to have any object confiscated or removed from the courtroom. The following may be exceptions to this rule:
  • Commissioned peace officers may carry weapons into the courtroom with proper identification.
  • Weapons intended to be offered as evidence must be properly contained and checked in with a court officer.

Food, Drink, & Gum

To maintain cleanliness and decorum in the courtroom, no open containers of food, drink or gum shall be consumed in or brought into the courtroom, except with permission of the judge.

Seating

All persons in the courtroom shall be seated except for the following instances:
  • When addressing the judge or jury
  • When a seat is not available
  • When directed to rise by a court officer
  • With permission of the judge

Attire

All persons present in the courtroom shall be dressed in a manner that shows dignity and respect for the Court. Unacceptable attire includes:
  • Clothing indicating gang affiliation or other clothing with offensive, vulgar, racist, sexist, obscene, suggestive words, slogans, depictions, or pictures, including grotesque creatures
  • Flip-flop style shoes
  • Hats or caps
  • Muscle shirts or T-shirts
  • Provocative clothing designed or styled or worn to provoke emotion of disrupt or distract
  • Shorts, cut-offs, or baggy pants
Clothing should be neat and clean if at all possible.

Electronic Devices

All electronic devices must be turned off while in the courtroom. This means no phone calls; use of any electronic device will subject the device to confiscation.