Rule 3.7 Decorum, Demeanor and Communication with Jurors

This rule sets expectations for how judges run their courtrooms and treat the people in them. Judges must keep order in the courtroom and make sure proceedings stay under control. They also need to treat everyone with patience and respect, including people suing or being sued, jurors, witnesses, lawyers, and court staff. Judges are responsible for making sure the people who work under them, like court staff, act with the same level of respect and professionalism.

The rule also covers how judges can interact with jurors after a trial ends. Judges cannot praise or criticize a jury for the verdict they reached, except when explaining a formal ruling. However, judges can thank jurors for doing their civic duty. If jurors want to stay and talk after the trial is over, a judge is allowed to meet with them, but the judge has to be careful not to discuss the actual details or merits of the case during that conversation.