Local Rule LR83.3: Courtroom Decorum
E.D. Tenn. — General rule
LR83.3 Courtroom Decorum The following rules shall govern courtroom decorum:
(a) Counsel, parties, witnesses, and jurors shall be prompt.
(b) Counsel shall rise when addressing the Court or making objections.
(c) Except when making objections, counsel shall conduct the trial from the lectern.
(d) Oral confrontation and argument between opposing counsel is prohibited.
(e) No person shall, by facial expression or other conduct, exhibit any opinion concerning any testimony which is being given by a witness.
(f) During trial, counsel shall not exhibit any familiarity with any witness, juror, or opposing counsel. The use of first names should be avoided.
(g) During argument to the jury, no juror shall be addressed individually.
(h) Except during the course of the trial, no counsel or party shall communicate or converse with a juror on any subject.
(i) Suggestions by counsel regarding the comfort or convenience of the jury, or propositions to dispense with argument or peremptory challenges, shall be made to the Court out of the hearing of the jury.
(j) Any request to have the reporter read back testimony shall be addressed to the Court.
(k) Counsel shall endeavor to protect the private or personal information of jurors and witnesses, such as the identification of minors, financial account information, home addresses, and social security numbers, to the extent practicable.