Courtroom Etiquette & Attire

Prohibited in the Courtrooms

  • Children making noise
  • Food, beverages, chewing gum, tobacco
  • Inappropriate attire, such as:
    • Baggy pants that fall below the hips
    • Cut-off jeans
    • Halter tops
    • Hats (except those worn for religious purposes)
    • Micro-mini skirt
    • Muscle shirts
    • Pants with holes
    • Shorts
    • T-shirts with vulgar or profane words, depicting violence or sexual acts, promoting drug or alcohol use
    • Tank tops
  • Newspapers
  • Weapons of any sort

Silence

Court proceedings must be electronically recorded. Therefore, silence is a necessity, unless you are a party to the proceeding that is in progress. Disruptive behavior such as talking, laughing, shouting or creating other loud disturbances will not be tolerated. The security staff may remove people from the building and the judges may hold violators in contempt of court. Mild-toned conversations may be conducted in the lobbies, hallways and conference rooms. We strongly discourage bringing young children to court unless required to do so by a judge or referee.

Addressing the Court

  • Address the judge as “Your Honor” or “Judge.” Address the referee as "Your Honor."
  • Stand when addressing the Court. Please advise the judge or hearing official if you have a disability that would make this difficult.
  • Only one person at a time may speak when addressing the court, witnesses, etc. during a court proceeding. This ensures greater accuracy in making a record by audio and video recording equipment.
  • Speak clearly and loudly. The large courtrooms absorb sound, making it difficult to hear mumbling and soft spoken voices. Speaking clearly and loudly ensures the judge and the court recorder / video are hearing what is being said.
  • Address the Court either from a counsel table or from a podium. These areas are equipped with microphones except at the Juvenile Center; all parties speak from a podium. Stepping away from these areas reduces the accuracy of the record.

Respect

Be respectful of the judge or hearing official, the court staff, attorneys and litigants. Maintain a respectful attitude at all times in the court building and in the courtrooms.