Rules of Attire and Conduct

A violation of any of these rules could result in a charge of contempt of court, which is punishable by a fine of $100 and/or up to three days in jail, or both.

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    Unacceptable Attire

    • Shorts and cut-offs;

    • Flip Flops

    • Muscle shirts;

    • Clothing with offensive, vulgar, racist, sexist, obscene, or suggestive words, slogans, depictions, or pictures, including grotesque creatures;

    • Clothing that is dirty, torn, or ragged;

    • Clothing that is too tight or too short or immodest;

    • Hats;

    • All attorneys making an appearance in Court are expected to dress in appropriate business attire

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    Appropriate Court Conduct

    Pro Se parties (individuals representing themselves without an attorney) should be prepared to present their cases
    in a proper manner. The Court is not permitted to protect or represent you, or to instruct you on court procedure,
    evidence, rules, or how to present and prove your case. If you are unprepared, unaware, or ignorant of the means
    and methods of presenting your case, it may adversely affect your case.

    1. Be on time. The courtroom will open 30 minutes prior to docket call.
    2. Do not argue with the Court.
    3. Address the Court as "Judge" or "Your Honor".
    4. Address opposing parties, counsel, witnesses, and Court Officers as "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Miss", "Officer", etc. Do not use first names, except with children 14 years of age or younger or unless otherwise instructed by the Court.
    5. Do not read newspapers, magazines, books, etc. in the courtroom during proceedings.
    6. Do not talk at the same time as the Court, counsels, witnesses, or other court personnel.
    7. Racist, sexist, obscene, or profane language or gestures are prohibited unless it is pertinent to a case and is elicited and quoted from facts in the case.
    8. Do not enter and depart the courtroom excessively.
    9. Do nothing to disturb or distract the court, counsels, witnesses, and other court personnel.
    10. Children are not allowed in the courtroom during proceedings.
    11. Do not approach the Judge's bench or Clerk's desk without permission from the Court. Do not rest arms or hands on the bench.
    12. Have all paperwork and documents ready when called to approach the Judge's bench.
    13. Rise when the Judge enters the courtroom and remain standing until the Judge or Bailiff announces "Be seated" or until the Judge is seated. Rise when the Judge exits the courtroom.
    14. No food or drink is allowed in the courtroom.
    15. Mute all phones and other electronic devices while in the courtroom. No phone calls in the courtroom.