Courtroom Rules

Empowering Justice and Fairness

Why Courtrooms Are Special Places

Courtrooms are where our community members can go to seek justice and fairness. It's where community members can bring their problems and conflicts to be resolved in a peaceful and lawful way. Courtrooms are a place where people work together to discover truth and serve justice for each other, ourselves, and our broader society.

Why Our Choices and Behaviors Matter in Courtrooms

So that our courts can work well, everyone choosing to enter a courtroom must agree to follow certain rules.

And, everyone must give permission for the court staff to remove anyone choosing to act in a way that breaks these rules. These rules have been created and adjusted based on our experiences; to make sure our courts continue to work well. These rules have been created and adjusted using democratic processes that involve our judges, lawyers, and other community members. By following these rules, we show that we value compassion, wisdom, and persistence. We show that we value self-regulation, purpose, and social intelligence. We show that we value fairness, honesty, the rule of law, and democracy.

Common Courtroom Rules

Below are some common courtroom rules. Some courtrooms have slightly different rules or additional rules depending on the challenges those courtrooms have experienced.Visit the court website or call the court to learn more about their rules of decorum.

Dress Appropriately: Wear clothes that are neat and clean. Avoid wearing shorts, hats, or clothing with inappropriate messages. Do not wear hats, caps or other headgear. Overcoats and overshoes must be removed before entering the courtroom. Typically, there are coatracks in the hallways outside courtrooms for these items.

Don't Take Photos, Record, or Broadcast: Taking photos, recording, and broadcasting anywhere in the courthouse is prohibited unless special permission is requested and granted by the supervising judge. This helps to protect the health and safety of children and adults who might be at risk of retaliation because of the challenges they are experiencing.

Follow Instructions: Follow the judge's instructions, as well as any instructions from your lawyer, security officers, or other court officials.

Allow Security Officers to Do Their Job: Security officers and court staff are authorized to open and inspect any item carried into a courtroom.

Avoid Creating Any Potentially Distracting Situations, Sounds, or Movements: Do not bring weapons, food, drinks, signs, or banners into the courtroom. Many courts will offer bottled water for attendees. Remain seated while the judge, lawyers, or anyone else is speaking; wait for a break. Judges offer breaks for people to use the restroom, drink beverages, and otherwise leave or enter the courtroom. If necessary, leave or enter the courtroom only when the attorneys are approaching or leaving the podium. Do not read or rustle any papers, newspapers, or magazines. Do not talk or whisper unless necessary; for example, unless asked a question by the security officers, courtroom staff, lawyers, or judge. Children must be under the control and supervision of an adult at all times.

Turn Off and Store All Electronic Devices: Devices may not be powered on or used in any courtroom, at any time, without advance permission from the presiding judge or special master. Devices must be turned off and stored in a pocket, bag, or under your seat.

Do Not Block Doorways or Passageways: Make sure doorways and passageways are easily passable without creating any distractions when people need to enter or leave the courtroom.

Be Respectful: Use polite language. Do not interrupt others when they are speaking. Do not make rude gestures, faces, or sounds.

Speak Clearly: Use a clear voice and speak loud enough so that everyone can hear.

Tell the Truth: Always tell the truth. Do not make any false or misleading statements. Do not withhold important information. Make any corrections as soon as possible.