No Food, Beverages, Cell Phones, or Pets
Never bring anything to eat or drink into the courtroom. The only animals allowed in the courtroom are those which assist people who are physically challenged. You must turn off any electronic device which may disturb court proceedings
No Weapons
Never bring a gun, knife or other weapon into the courthouse. You will be searched before entering the courtroom and courthouse. If you are appearing on the domestic violence docket, you can expect to be searched.
No Children
Please do not bring children to court. You may be asked to leave the courtroom if children are noisy or disruptive in any way. There are no child care facilities in the courthouse. If you have no choice but to bring a child, bring another adult to watch the child while you are in the courtroom. The court proceedings are audio taped to make a record. Any noise disruption will interfere with that process.
Be Respectful
You must be quiet in the courtroom when observing. Never use profanity. Always be polite when speaking. Speak clearly and loudly enough for the court reporter to hear - everything you say is being recorded. All persons shall refrain from any gestures and from conduct or behavior which manifest disrespect for the court, counsel, litigants, witnesses, court staff, law enforcement personnel, or other persons.
Dress Code
All persons in the courtroom, except those required to be there because of arrest or court order, shall be attired in a manner appropriate to the dignity and decorum of the courtroom setting. As minimum standards, the following rules shall apply:
- Men shall wear shirts, trousers and shoes. Women shall wear shoes, and either dresses, skirts and tops, or pants and tops.
- Shorts, bathing suits, halter tops, tank tops, hats, caps, torn clothing, shirts or other clothing with obscene or profane pictures or messages, shall not be worn.
- Male attorneys shall wear coats and ties. Women attorneys shall wear professionally appropriate attire.
- If you are not appropriately attired, you may have to return on another date to have your matter heard.
