Courtroom Attire
ALL PERSONS present in the Courtroom shall be clean, neat and dressed in a manner that shows dignity and respect for the Court.
Unacceptable attire includes:
Shorts, cut-offs, baggy pants, oversized coats (jackets), flip flop style shoes, hats, cropped shirts, muscle shirts, clothing indicating gang affiliation or other clothing with offensive, vulgar, racist, sexist, obscene, suggestive words, slogans, depictions, or pictures, including grotesque creatures. Clothing that is torn, dirty and ragged will not be allowed.Provocative clothing designed, styled, or worn to provoke emotion or disrupt or distract will not be allowed.
Courtroom Conduct
Conduct in the “Courtroom” also includes the reception/foyer area, jury room and/or any office space assigned to the Justice Court.
- Any type WEAPONS are PROHIBITED in the Courtroom and this building EXCEPT for LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL. YOU ARE SUBJECT TO SEARCH!
- Absolutely no cellular phones.
- Be on time.
- Rise when the Judge enters and remain standing until the Judge or bailiff announces, “Be seated”. Rise when the Judge exits the courtroom.
- Do not argue with the court. Address the court as "Judge" or "Your Honor."
- Address opposing parties, counsel, witnesses and court officers as “Mr.”, “Mrs.”, “Miss”, “Dr.”, etc. Do not use first names, except with children 14 years of age and younger.
- Do not approach the Judge’s bench without permission. Do not rest arms on the bench. Remain behind the marker on the floor, until given permission to approach the bench.
- Do not chew gum in the Courtroom or bring drinks or food items into the Courtroom.
- Racist, sexist, obscene, or profane language is prohibited unless it is pertinent to a case, and is elicited and quoted from facts in the case.
- Do not enter or depart the Courtroom excessively and do not slam the doors. Use the proper door to exit.
- Do nothing to disturb or distract the court, counsels, witnesses or other court personnel.
- Do not read newspapers, magazines, periodicals, books, etc. in the Courtroom during proceedings.
- All property in the Courtroom and reception area must be treated with respect. No writing on any papers posted or furniture.
- No recording devices are allowed without judicial approval.
PRO SE parties (individuals representing themselves without an attorney) should be prepared to present their cases in proper manner. It is not the court’s duty to represent you nor instruct you on evidence, rules, or how to present and prove your case. If you are unprepared, unaware and not knowledgeable as to presenting your case, you may lose your case.
DISCLAIMER
Texas laws change every two years and there may be times when the information on this web site and in the forms is not current. This information and forms are provided for general informational purposes only and are not intended as legal advice. It is always recommended to consult with a licensed lawyer before proceedings in any legal matters. The court has made every effort to accurately set out information, but we do not warrant the reliability or appropriateness of the information for a particular purpose. Furthermore, the court does not assume liability for any consequences resulting from your reliance on the information/forms presented