Local Rule RULE 5072-1: COURTROOM DECORUM

RULE 5072-1 COURTROOM DECORUM

(a) Persons Permitted Inside the Bar of the Courtroom. Only the following persons shall be permitted inside the bar of the courtroom, unless otherwise ordered by the Court: (1) the parties; (2) the witnesses when actually testifying; (3) the attorneys duly admitted to practice before the Court and their paralegals working under their direction; (4) the Court Security Officers and/or U. S. Deputy Marshals; and (5) other officers or employees of the Court.

(b) Possession and Use of Certain Equipment. The operation or possession of the following equipment is strictly prohibited in any courtroom, hall, corridor, or foyer of any building used as a place of holding Court, whether or not Court is actually in session: (1) recording devices; (2) radio or television broadcasting devices; and (3) equipment for taking photographs.

(4) Possession of cellular phones is not prohibited, but the use of cellular phones is prohibited in any courtroom. All cellular phones should be turned off or should be prevented from ringing in a courtroom.

(c) Exceptions. The presiding Judge may, however, permit the use of electronic or photographic means for the presentation of evidence or the perpetuation of a record or other circumstances as ordered.

(d) Business Attire. All persons who appear before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court – including attorneys, debtors, creditors and witnesses – shall wear attire that is appropriate for a court setting. The Court may refuse to hear a case if a party is wearing inappropriate clothing.