Courtroom Rules - Attire & Behavior

Rules for Courtroom Appearances - Print-Friendly Version

1. All persons entering the Courtroom shall be dressed in a dignified and respectful manner. The following are specific items that are expressly prohibited, unless authorized by the Court for legitimate medical reasons.
   NO hats, caps or other headwear not required by religion NO shorts
   NO short skirts or short dresses
   NO tank tops, spaghetti straps or halter tops
   NO exposed underwear or bras
   NO yoga pants, sweatpants, sagging/ drooping pants
   NO bare feet
   NO offensive, violent, obscene, or suggestive slogans or pictures on clothing NO sunglasses, unless required by prescription. 
   
   
2. NO WEAPONS (guns, knives, pepper spray/ mace, razorblades, scissors, etc.) unless you are

   currently on duty law enforcement personnel.

3.  All electronic devices, including cell phones, pagers, iPods, PDA's, cameras, hand held games and laptops shall be turned off, silenced or deactivated while in court, unless expressly authorized by the court for trial presentation purposes.

4. NO disruptive conversation/ talking while the court is in session and/ or the Judge is conducting a proceeding.

5. NO leaning or placement of arms on the Judge's bench.

6. NO eating, drinking or chewing gum, except with the expressed permission of the court.

7. NO offensive, vulgar, racist, sexist or obscene language, except as evidence of conduct testimony of facts in trial.

8. NO horseplay or disruptive behavior.

***ANYONE VIOLATING THIS ORDER MAY BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE COURTROOM AND/ OR MAY BE FOUND IN CONTEMPT OF COURT AND SUBJECT TO A FINE AND/ OR JAIL, PURSUANT TO SECTION 21.002 (C), TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE.***