Courtroom Standards

As your case proceeds through the Court system, you are expected to observe the following Courtroom standards.

• No weapons, food, drink, or gum chewing in the Court building.

• While in the courtroom, sit quietly when Court is in session. Do not chat or whisper with friends or relatives. The Court proceedings are being recorded and background conversation can interfere with the audibility of this important record.

• Avoid reading newspapers or books in the courtroom, particularly if your use of such material is a distraction to others.

• When addressing the Judge/Hearing Officer, stand a few feet back from the bench. Do not lean on the Judge's/Hearing Officer's bench.

• Observe appropriate standards of attire. While clothing need not be formal, it should be clean, neat and in good repair. Shoes and shirts must be worn and T-shirts which carry offensive slogans or pictures are not allowed. Hats should be removed before entering the Courtroom.

• Avoid bringing small children to Court. If it is necessary to do so, please monitor their behavior so that they remain quiet at all times. Parents may be asked to leave the Courtroom if their child becomes noisy or unruly.

• Cell phones and pagers are to be turned off while in the courtroom.