Certain behaviors are not allowed because they are noisy, distracting or disrespectful. You should turn off your cell phone or pager when you are in the courtroom. You can’t chew gum, eat, sleep, wear a hat, listen to music, talk on a cell phone, take pictures or carry a weapon in the courtroom. You should enter and leave the courtroom quietly so you do not disturb others.
The courtroom calendar is usually posted outside the courtroom. Look for your case and write down the calendar number. Tell the clerk or officer that your are there and give them the calendar number. Let them know if you need an interpreter. Listen for your case to be called.
You should stand when you speak to the Judge and address the Judge as “Your Honor.” You will be expected to treat others in the court respectfully—no yelling, cursing or cutting someone off when they are speaking. You should speak clearly and slowly. Your words are being recorded, either by a machine or a person. If you mumble, speak too quickly or too softly, or answer by shaking or nodding your head, the record will not be accurate.
