ALL PERSONS present in the Courtroom shall be neatly dressed in a manner that shows dignity and respect for the Court.
Unacceptable Attire
The following will not be allowed:
- Shorts
- Cut-offs
- Baggy pants
- Oversized coats (jackets)
- Hats
- Cropped shirts
- Muscle shirts
- Clothing indicating gang affiliation or other clothing with offensive, vulgar, racist, sexist obscene, suggestive words, slogan, depictions, or pictures, including grotesque creatures
- Provocative clothing designed, styled, or worn to provoke emotion or disrupt or distract
Courtroom Conduct
Conduct in the "Courtroom" also includes the reception/foyer area, jury room and/or any office space assigned to the Justice Court, as well as the virtual courtroom.
- ALL WEAPONS are PROHIBITED in the Courtroom and this building EXCEPT for LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL.
- Absolutely no cell phones, laptops, or tablets on in the courtroom. All electronic devices including pagers must be on silent mode.
- Be on time.
- Adhere to the bailiff instructions.
- Address the court as “Judge” or “Your Honor.” Do not argue with the court.
- Address opposing parties, counsel, witnesses and court officers as "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Miss", "Dr.", etc. Do not use first names, except with children 14 years of age and younger.
- Do not approach the Judge’s bench without permission.
- Racist, sexist, obscene, or profane language is prohibited unless it is pertinent to a case, and is elicited and quoted from facts in the case.
- Do not chew gum in the Courtroom or bring drinks or food items into the Courtroom.
- Do not enter or depart the Courtroom excessively and do not slam the doors.
- Do nothing to disturb or distract the court, counsels, witnesses or other court personnel.
- All property in the Courtroom and reception area must be treated with respect. No writing on any papers posted or furniture.
- No recording devices are allowed without judicial approval.
- Respect court personnel at all times.
- Zoom hearing participants may appear via video or telephone. Participants are in Court while on Zoom and must abide by the same rules as if they were physically present. This applies to clothing, language, and background noise.
PRO SE parties (individuals representing themselves without an attorney) should be prepared to present their cases in a proper and orderly manner. It is not the court’s duty to represent you nor instruct you on how to prove your case.
