Vernon's Texas Rules Annotated - VTRA TX R GRIMES CTY DIST CTS Addendum 1

RULE 1: OPENING PROCEDURE

Immediately before the scheduled time for the first court session on each day, the bailiff shall direct all persons present to their seats and shall cause the courtroom to come to order. As the Judge enters the courtroom, the bailiff shall state:

“Everyone rise, please.”

And while everyone is still standing, the bailiff shall announce:

“The __________ District Court of Grimes County, Texas is now in session, Judge __________ presiding. Be seated, please.”

RULE 2: RECESS

When the Judge announces a recess, the bailiff shall state:

“Everyone rise, please.”

And all shall remain standing until the Judge leaves the courtroom, whereupon the bailiff shall announce:

“This Court is recessed until __________ (a certain time.)”

In reconvening after a recess, the bailiff shall call the courtroom to order and request everyone to rise as the Judge enters, and shall then state:

“Be seated, please.”

Before a recess of a jury trial, the jury will be excused, and all other persons present shall rise while the bailiff conducts the jury from the courtroom into the jury room.

After a recess, the bailiff shall direct all jurors to the jury room and shall call the courtroom to order and request everyone to rise as the Judge enters, as in non-jury trials. After everyone is reseated, the jury shall be returned to the jury box from the jury room and everyone except the judge will rise again until the jury is seated.

RULE 3: GENERAL RULES OF COURTROOM CONDUCT

All officers of the court except the Judge, and jurors, and all other participants except witnesses, who have been placed under the rule, shall promptly enter the courtroom before the scheduled time for each court session. When the bailiff calls the court to order, complete order should be observed.

In the courtrooms, there shall be:

No tobacco used.

No chewing gum used.

No reading of newspaper or magazines.

No bottles, cups or beverage containers except court water pitchers and cups.

No edibles.

No propping of feet on tables or chairs.

No noise or talking that interferes with court proceedings.

The Judge, the attorneys, and other officers of the court will refer to and address other court officers or participants in the proceedings respectfully and impersonally, as by using appropriate titles and surnames rather than first names. The form of address toward the Judge shall be (“Judge,” or “Your Honor”).

The oath will be administered in a manner calculated to impress the witness with the importance and solemnity of the promise to adhere to the truth.

All officers of the court shall dress appropriately for court sessions.

RULE 4: CONDUCT OF ATTORNEYS

Attorneys should observe the letter and spirit of all canons of ethics, including those dealing with discussion of cases with representatives of the media and those concerning improper ex parte communications with the Judge.

Attorneys should advise their clients and witnesses of local Rules of Decorum that may be applicable to them.

All objections, arguments, and other comments by counsel shall be directed to the Judge, or jury and not to opposing counsel.

While another attorney is addressing the Judge, or jury, an attorney should not stand for any purpose except to claim the right to interrupt the attorney who is speaking.

Attorneys should not approach the bench without leave of court and must never lean on the bench.

Attorneys shall remain seated at the counsel tables at all times except:

a) When the Judge enters or leaves; and

b) When addressing the Judge, or jury; and whenever it may be proper to handle documents, exhibits, or other evidence. (Leave of court is not required)

Attorneys should anticipate any need to move furniture, appliances, or easels, and should make advance arrangements with the bailiff. Tables should not be moved without leave of court.

Only attorneys and parties are permitted to sit at the counsel tables. All secretaries, paralegals, investigators and other personnel must remain outside the bar unless granted specific leave of court to enter.