Basic Rules of Court Conduct
If you are attending court, the following is important for your assistance. This information does not constitute legal advice. If you require legal assistance, please consult an attorney.
When Appearing in Court:
- Be on time.
- Cooperate with any security precautions.
- Throw away gum, food, and drinks before entering the courtroom. Stand when the judge enters and leaves the courtroom.
- Stand when you are speaking with the judge.
- Speak clearly when you respond to the judge’s questions. Always address the judge as “Your Honor.”
- Never interrupt the judge. If you are unsure of what you heard, wait until the judge or other person speaking has finished talking before asking a question.
- Enter and leave the courtroom quietly so that you do not disturb others.
- Only approach the judge’s bench when instructed to do so.
- You must be at court on time.
If your court session is set for 9:00 AM, you must be at court promptly at 9:00 AM. If you are not, your case may not be heard. - If your court session is at 1:30 PM, you must be at court promptly at 1:30 PM. If not, your case may not be heard.
- Forms of payment that we accept are Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. We also accept cash and money orders.
Prohibited Items:
Items that should not enter the courtroom:
- Weapons of any kind.
- Electronic recording equipment such as video or voice recorders, or cameras (unless specifically approved by the court).
- Food, beverages, chewing gum, and tobacco. Cell phones and mobile devices.
- No smartwatches.
Dressing for Court:
If you are appearing in court, you should dress in a manner that shows respect for the court. If you are not dressed properly, you may be asked to leave the court and return at a later date. This will delay your hearing and require you to appear in court more than once.
The Following Is Not Allowed in Court:
- Hats or other head coverings inside the courtroom (except those worn for religious or medical purposes).
- Sunglasses.
- Clothing depicting violence, sexual acts, profanity, or illegal drugs. Tube tops or halter tops, plunging necklines, bare midriffs.
- Ripped or torn jeans, miniskirts, or shorts.
- Baggy pants that fall below the waist.
- Muscle shirts, or other clothing usually worn as undergarments. No flip-flops or slides.
Children in the Courtroom:
Although children may attend court, given the formal nature of court proceedings and the subject matters which may be involved, it is not recommended for infants or small children.
Disruption in the Courtroom:
Anyone who disrupts the court, regardless of age, may be removed from the courtroom. Whether such disruption will result in being held in contempt (which could include jail time and/or a fine) is at the discretion of the judge.
Respect:
The courtroom is a place of order and structure. You should at all times act in a respectful manner when in the presence of the judge, court staff, attorneys, court officers, and other persons attending court. Once the court has made a ruling in your case, continue to be respectful as you exit the courtroom. Attempts to disrupt the court once the judge has made a ruling could result in you being held in contempt (which could include jail time and/or a fine).
City of Temple Event Permits and Alcohol Server Permits:
You must make an appointment with the police department during business hours, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4:30 PM.