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Rule 6.1 General Courtroom Conduct

Title I: Rules for Proceedings in District Courts, Family Courts, and Juvenile Courts | Chapter 6: Courtroom Decorum and the Conduct of Attorneys and Judges

(a) No person may engage in any conduct that would be disruptive to the business of the court, including the following:

(1) Using tobacco in any form at any time.

(2) Reading newspapers while court is in session.

(3) Displaying any political advertisement of any nature.

(b) Attorneys, as officers of the court, shall help to maintain the dignity of the court. Male attorneys and clerks of court shall wear coats and ties in the courtroom. Female attorneys and clerks of court shall wear a comparable level of attire.

(c) No one may wear a hat or be barefoot in the courtroom. Witnesses and spectators shall appear neat and clean, within the limits of propriety. The court will make allowances for those who shall appear in work clothes and for those whose attire is dictated by their religion.

(d) No one is allowed inside the rail except for attorneys, litigants, officers of the court, and anyone else that the court specifically authorizes.

(e) A judge shall prohibit broadcasting, televising, recording, or the taking of photographs in the courtroom and areas immediately adjacent thereto, at least during sessions of court or recesses between sessions. See Code of Judicial Conduct Canon 3A(9).

(f) A judge may prohibit the use of electronic devices, including cellular telephones and recording devices, in a courtroom.

Amendment history: Adopted April 1, 2002, effective April 1, 2002; amended June 2, 2003, effective July 1, 2003; amended November 20, 2009, effective January 1, 2010; amended November 21, 2011, effective January 1, 2012; amended December 14, 2022, effective December 14, 2022.