Local Rule LBR 5072-1: Courtroom Decorum
Bankr. D.P.R. — General rule
Rule 5072-1 Courtroom Decorum
(a) Announcement of Representation. When the case is called, counsel or, if applicable, a pro se litigant must announce his/her name and the name of the party he/she represents for the record. Attorneys shall stand behind the lectern, unless otherwise authorized by the court, speaking loudly and clearly, making sure they are speaking directly in front of the microphone when addressing the court.
(b) One Counsel Per Party. Unless leave of court is obtained in advance, only one counsel for each party may conduct the examination of any one witness, present argument, or make objections with respect to the testimony of that witness. There shall be no oral confrontation or colloquy between opposing attorneys. All counsel, parties, and witnesses shall be formally addressed by their surnames.
(c) Offer and Marking of Exhibits. Counsel must have any proposed exhibit marked for identification and give a copy to opposing counsel before referring to, using, or offering the exhibit into evidence.
(d) Objections. All objections must be stated with specificity prior to any argument or explanation of the same; e.g., leading, hearsay, improper foundation, etc.
(e) Witness Box. During the testimony of a witness, attorneys may only examine the witness from the lectern and may not approach the witness box except to present to the witness an exhibit pertinent to the examination, and only upon leave of court.
(f) Courtroom Attire. All persons attending or appearing before the court must dress in a proper and dignified manner and abstain from any apparel or ornament calculated to call attention to themselves. The court reserves the right to dismiss individuals from the courtroom if they are dressed inappropriately.
(g) Courtroom Decorum. Counsel shall at all times conduct and demean themselves with dignity and propriety. When addressing the court, counsel shall rise unless excused therefrom by the court. All statements and communications to the court shall be clearly and audibly made from a standing position at the attorneys' lectern facing the court or the witness. Counsel shall not approach the bench unless requested to do so by the court or unless permission is granted upon the request of counsel.